Ayade: 3000 youth to benefit from social intervention scheme

Governor Ben Ayade during an endorsement rally over the weekend

Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade at the weekend announced that 3000 youth from the Central Senatorial District are to be captured under the Conditional Cash Transfer programme.

The governor made the disclosure at the Ikom Township Stadium where tens of thousands of people held a rally to compel him to seek a second term in office.

Ayade reiterated his promise to change the lives of the people for the better.

 "Upon my honour, my character, my integrity, exposure, wealth and fear of God, I will make a difference. I am going to bring prosperity and hope to these young faces," he told enthusiastic crowd

 The endorsement rally was organised by six local government areas of Abi, Obubra, Yarkurr, Etung, Boki and Ikom which make the Central senatorial district of the state.

In a motion moved by the House of Representatives member representing Obubra/Etung Federal constituency, Hon Mike Etaba and seconded by another lawmaker representing Ikom 1state constituency, Hon Fred Osim, the people resolved that no son or daughter from the senatorial district should vie for the office of Governor except the present occupier.

Billed to start by 10 in the morning, but as early as 8am, over 30,000 people were already at the Ikom stadium with various groups and associations decked in their regalia and bearing placards which bore, "Ayade 100% undiluted," "Ayade, Eye of Cross River State 2019," "Central says yes to Ayade," "Central Cross River is sure for Ayade 2019," "Code 888," among others.

Speakers at the event took time to compel Ayade to accept the endorsement and seek another term in office to enable him complete the various programs and projects initiated by his administration.

Chairman of the occasion and former military administrator of Bayelsa State, Col Pam Ogar, rtd said, "this exercise is initiated by a willing people to motivate you to come out by 2019. We give you our prayers, accept this endorsement willingly, we are following and watching you to go beyond and do brilliantly well all the penciled programs and projects you have enumerated."

For a former commissioner in the state, Ntufam Sandy Onor, the event was a sweet reunion, adding, "many high profile movements have returned to the party hence the political osmosis are now on ground to clinch elective positions."

Giving assurances on machinery put on ground to defeat political opponents, Onor said, "In Etung, the opposition will be defeated; In Ikom they will be worsted; In Boki they will be exterminated; In Obubra they will be decapitated; In Yarkurr they will be decimated and in Abi they will be completely rested."

In his remarks, Dr Pius Tawo described Ayade as one who, not only understands development, but a strategic partner that will take Cross River State to prosperity, adding that, "the projects initiated by Ayade will recalibrate the state completely."

Speaking on behalf of political appointees from the zone, the Commissioner for Education, Obol Goddy Etta said: "We are here to endorse and to present to you an order of mandamus. You must actualise the 888 code because you can not leave us half way," adding that, "we in the central have contributed money to buy your form."

Others who spoke including AVM Eko Osim, Barr Chris Agara, Vero Obi, Walter Ajogbor and Patrick Iwara argued that the endorsement was not as a result of the traditional norm but based on performances within a short period, pointing out that Ayade represents ideas, visions and dreams