2019 election: Cross River monarch endorses Ayade for second term

The Obol Lopon of Ugep, Obol Ofem Obongha, has endorsed the re-election of Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade.

Obongha pledged his support when he recived the Governor at the Umor Otutu palace, Ugep, Yarkurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, Tuesday.
The monarch, while endorsing Ayade noted that the March 2, governorship election was a no contest for the governor, adding that Ayade’s record of achievements in three and half years would speak for him.

He maintained that there was no need for Ayade to campaign, but rather roll out drums and start celebrating his return to Government House, Calabar.
“We are not here for campaigns but to celebrate our governor. Ayade is not a politician because politicians don’t keep to their words. Our governor here has passion for his people and each time he says he wants to do a particular thing, he ensures he does it and does it well,” the royal father explained.
“Ayade has restored peace through the strengthening of security in the community. He has also ensured that the Institute of Technology and Management (ITM- Ugep) is back in full swing,” he stated.

According to Obol Lopon other achievements recorded by Ayade, include the “employment of over 600 workers into the Ugep Urban Development Authority, asphalted the Ikpaka pit road.”
He added that “The generators Ayade brought to Ugep are superior to what they used to enjoy as NEPA, not excluding the number of our sons and daughters you have offered appointments. We have not had it so good like this.”
On how the governor was able to achieve these feats in spite of the lean federal allocation and without any indebtedness, the Obol Lopon said, “President Buhari was even surprised about how you do all these after his two visits to this state to see the giant strides on ground, so, I ask, what is the magic?
“If I was not a traditional ruler, I would mount the podium and tell the people to vote for Ayade, he must repeat because in my life, I believe in celebrating greatness and this is a great man.
“This is payback time and we must pay him back by returning him to office.”