Ahead of the highly anticipated party primaries to determine the aspirant who would emerge with the PDP ticket and earn the right to contest against the APC for the Obubra/Etung Federal constituency seat, the senator representing the Cross River central senatorial district, Senator Sandy Ojang Onor, has stepped in.
Onor invited the three leading aspirants and the various director-generals of their various campaigns to a two-hour conversation at his residence in Calabar, the Cross River State capital city.
During the meeting, which also had in attendance some critical stakeholders from Obubra and Etung LGAs, Senator Onor began by asking the aspirants if there were any complaints or observations as to his having not provided a level playing field for all the aspirants or if anyone felt he had interfered in the processes so far.
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One after the other, Ken Egbas, Friday Okpechi and Fabian Okpa praised and absolved Onor of any complicity or interference in the process so far.
Egbas was the first to speak. In his remarks, he alluded to the fact that he had run his campaign by showing absolute respect for his opponents, while only focusing on the issues and not his competitors.
He also spoke about how he has promoted the spirit of friendship and brotherhood, despite the fierce electioneering rivalry.
He also spoke of his willingness to support whoever emerges after the primaries, while hoping others would do the same should he emerge.
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Okpechi opened his remarks by stating that he had hoped that the process of pruning the number of aspirants to just one would have succeeded earlier had there been cooperation.
He concluded his remarks by saying; “to whom much is given, much is expected.”
Next to speak was Okpa. He first aimed a broadside at Okpechi for not being conversant with the date of the primaries.
Speaking further, he blamed the bad blood in the political family in Obubra on the failure of political leadership.
At the end of his remarks, he reached out and shook hands with his immediate neighbour, Okpechi, and walked across the aisle to Egbas as they both pumped fists.
All three raised their glasses of assorted wines and clinked glasses to a peaceful and rancour-free process–to a round of applause from everyone in the room.
“This is a noteworthy display from our brothers and aspirants from Obubra. I never doubted your capacities. Any of you could properly represent us at the National Assembly. But as you all know, we can only send one person,” Onor said.
“We are committed to continuing to provide a level playing field for all our aspirants.
“I shall embrace and work with any of you that emerges. I am so delighted that you have all pledged to work together. Our people deserve no less. I wish all of you well,” Senator Onor added, after taking time to extol the individual virtues of all the aspirants.
The meeting ended with everyone in the room wishing all the aspirants the best of luck.
