2019 : People shouldn't be given power because of age but content - Upan Odey

APC Governorship aspirant, John Upan Odey addressing journalists in Calabar

Governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Mr. John Upan Odey has said that young people aspiring to be elected into political positions in 2019 shouldn't be supported because of their age but content to add value.

Odey who started this recently in Calabar during a meeting with Association of Cross River Online Journalists (ACROJ) said that age is not a determining factor for good leadership but content, pedigree and  capacity to add value to society.

The Guber aspirant who spoke on number of issues affecting the state lamented the fall in the standard of education in the state as well as the increasing spate of insecurity.

He however promised that if elected Governor, his priority will be to tackle the dwindling education sector, invest heavily in the health sector as well as address the state's "frightening and decaying infrastructure".

According to him "The truth of the matter is that, Young people shouldn’t be given power because of their age, rather because of the content of character to add value to Society, their pedigree and leadership capacity.

My ambition is a Cross River Project that we all must be committed and interested in. I’m passionate about it, because I feel pity for our young people, and parents as well. I’m driven by passion to serve Cross River State as Governor. Our education is on the downward slope, Hospitals are in bad shape and need to be fixed. Security situation is apology and frightening and infrastructures are decaying.

I’ll see to the urgency of fixing all enumerated. My policies wouldn’t be putting the cat before the horse, or deceiving the people. I will be very transparent and make sure legislation guide my activities".

He berated Governor Ben Ayade's " food-on-the-table" appointment policy saying that "political positions shouldn’t be for the purpose of putting food on the tables, because it’s derogatory and insensitive, a notion; we do not live to eat, but eat to live".

Speaking further about his vision for the state, he said that "My emphasis will be on infrastructural development, qualitative and affordable education, improved and accessible healthcare delivery. Security of lives and properties will be paramount. My team and I, will be results oriented and driven by passionate to serve.”