By: Our Reporter, Calabar
This year’s Ogada new yam festival of the good people of ogada clan went beyond the normal celebrations as the presence and active participation of Chief Ernest Joes Obasse, brought more joy, laughter and colour to the festivities.
Chief Obasse, who is the SDP standard bearer for Obubra I, Cross River State House of Assembly, State Constituency, said he brought the message of hope to his kinsmen and women.
“Hope Alive”, which is the name for his 2023 campaign organisation, was given in the form of messages, scholarships, donations and the engagement of contractors for the grading of Ogada road.
At the village square during the celebrations he said; “I stand before you as an embodiment of hope; hope for a better and more effective representation in governance and hope for a better future. Even before I take my place in the chambers of the Cross River State House of Assembly, my contract with my people has already started. So, in that regard, I’ll start by using my personal funds to engage competent contractors to widen and grade the Ogada road once the rains are over.”
He also said; “I hereby offer a yearly scholarship to 15 indigent persons in my constituency who are facing financial challenges in the universities.”
In the spirit of the new yam festivities, the House of Assembly candidate took his party members to Ogada II, Obubra Urban, where he presented a magnificent edifice to serve as secretariat and resource centre for the SDP.
The highlight of the presentation of the secretariat saw the defection of over 10,000 former members of the PDP to the SDP led by a former chieftain, Chief Raymond Okenjom.
Chief Okenjom who was a founding member and pioneer chapter secretary of the PDP in Obubra has a reputation for always being instrumental to his party’s successes in his constituency. He was also a very close associate of the former deputy governor of Cross River State, Late Chief John Oyom Okpa, who remains a political colossus even in death.
Raymond Okenjom praised the sterling qualities of the Obubra I State House of Assembly candidate, pointing out that; “Chief Ernest Obasse is a goal-driven go-getter who has carved a niche for himself.”
He continued; “when I learnt of his foray into politics, I knew that he would make a huge success of it. He is the reason Obubra is rapidly becoming SDP compliant. All thanks to the fire of interest he ignited that is consuming the old parties.”
The candidate thereafter named Chief Okenjom as his campaign Director General.Other prominent Obubra persons who defected with him include; Mr. Vincent Aja Irek, former Youth Leader; Mrs. Alice Gabriel, former Women Leader; Sarah Okenjom, incumbent PDP women Leader; Mr. Sunday Erong, former Secretary.
An elated Chief Ernest Joes Obasse welcomed all the decampees and promised them equality in all affairs of the party irrespective of moment of joining the party.
