By: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
Encomiums have continued to trail the declaration of Hon Kingsley Arikpo aka “Apollo”, as the elected Chairman of Obubra Local Government Council by the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) as well as his subsequent swearing- in by the Governor, His Excellency, Prince Bassey Otu.
Extolling his virtues, the Paramount Ruler of Obubra and grand patriarch of the famoius Osopng Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Ovarr Clement Ewona described Arikpo’s victory at the polls as a true reflection of the will of the people of Obubra.
The apex monarch who conveyed his goodwill message through his representative, His Highness Ovarr Louis Enyam, admonished the Chairman to lead the people with the fear of God who will prove him strong to deliver on his campaign promises as “people first” government.
Also speaking, at the reception which held at Azari hotel in Calabar, the state capital, Ohorodo 1 and Kwudiden of the Okum nation in Obubra, HH Ovarr Bob Ajom Mbina, also described Hon Arikpo’s victory as a hand of God for the liberation of Obubra local government area from retrogrssion and percieved marginalisation.
The monarch who also called on the Chairman to see his victory as as alitmus test, maintained that his overwhelming victory at the poll was a clear demonstration of the peoples’ desire to give him the mandate to pilot the affairs of the local government for the next three years.
Former Minority leader in the 7th Legislative Assembly of Cross River, Chief Alex Irek,(Ogrege 1 of Africa) thanked the people of Obubra for ensuring a peaceful and transparent electoral process which led to the victory of the APC, Candidate in the emerging democracy at the grassroot level.
Irek who chaired the the impressive and well attended ceremony declared the emergence of Apollo as vcictory for the APC, victory for Obubra Local Area and victory for the people.
Former Council Chairman of Obubra, however, crowned the event with a short story when he drew an alligory of the proverbial drummers, who must drum well for the masqurader to bask effectively in the euphoria of the druming rendition.
He called on all the people of Obubra both at home and the diaspora as well as those who contested with him at the poll to come together as one and work for the overall development of Obubra.
“All those that are agrieved should sheath their swords as elections are all over, now is the priod of governance to put Obubra in the pedestal of development with a view to restoring the fortunes of its past glory, the Chairman stated.
Dignitaries that graced the ceremony include; a forrmer State Security Adviser, Dr Alfred Mboto, Member, State Advisory Council, Dr Fidelis Obo, Hon menbers of Obubra 1 and 2, in the state Legislature, Dickson Ovat Agbork and Egbe Abeng, Commissioner for women Affaires, Edema Irom, a veteran Journalist, Chief Ernest Irek, Bishop Chris Obase.
The event also featured captains of industries, members of the academia among others.
