Ochicha declares for Gov, decries infrastructural deficit under Ayade

Mr. Odey Ochicha, APC governorship aspirant

Chairman of the governing council of Federal Polytechnic lle -Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, Mr. Odey Ochicha has formally declared his intention to contest the 2019 governorship election in Cross River State under the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The declaration rally was held yesterday August 10 in his country home at Convent Primary School, Abuochiche, Bekwerra local government area of the state.

Ochicha slammed Governor Ben Ayade administration saying the state has witnessed unprecedented wave of infrastructural development deficit under his watch.

The aspirant who was the APC 2015 governorship candidate and runners up to Ayade regretted that the state which was once known globally as a tourists destination has deteriorated to a level that it's now a safe haven for criminals.

He added that, while other states are experiencing a boom in tourism, education, commerce and sports sectors, the state is enjoying only series of unimplemented MOUs.

Mr. Odey Ochicha at the declaration rally

He said that his reason to join the 2019 race again was not about him but the people as the state is is dire need of progressive leadership which he pledged to offer.

According to him "I thank you for the opportunity granted me in 2015 to be the first APC governorship candidate in Cross River State and the support to have come second with a silver in the election. We are now prepared to go for the gold medal in 2019.

"Today, I come to you with renewed vision for our dear state, a vision that is encapsulated in my burning passion to serve our dear people, transform our state and uplift the living standards of our dear people. Already, I've worked out a blueprint of socioeconomic agenda which presents a picture of where we are coming from, where we find ourselves, where we want to be and how we want to get there with the ultimate aim of ensuring better life for all Cross Riverians.

"This declaration is not about me but us and what we can do together. This is an opportunity to reclaim our mandate, restore our sense of common purpose and realize that few obstacles cannot withstand the power of millions of voices calling for change".

He added that "I offer myself not just to hold an office, but together with you to transform our dear state. I offer myself as the right one that will restore the lost glory and make our dear state good enough to be bequeathed to future generations".

Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Augustine Agbaragba described Ochicha as a man of integrity who has the vision and passion move the state forward.

Agbaragba said that "This journey started in 2015 but this time we are more sure that we will complete it as winners because all the signs today have shown that success will always be our watchword.

"We are not deterred by the defections going on in APC. We are very optimistic that APC will still win in 2019 in the centre as well as takeover the state from Ayade and PDP".

He said that "Ochicha is a man of integrity. He's humble and very articulate. All the aspirants from the north must work together to ensure the governorship ticket is given to Ochicha".