NEWS FEATURE
By Onwa Ekor
Biblically, it is recorded in Proverbs 29:2 that, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice, but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn” (KJV).
This postulation could be said to have demonstrated itself recently when a political group, “Prince is Coming Movement,” led by its Director General who doubles as the Chief of Staff to the Cross River governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, mobilised a 1.5 million man match endorsement for the return tickets of President Bola Tinubu, and his vice, Senator Kashim Shettima; as well as the governor, Prince Bassey Otu, and his deputy, Rt. Hon Peter Odey.
The endorsement rally attracted stakeholders made up of youths, market women, students and cultural troupes from within and outside the state. They all trooped to the Ikom Township Stadium venue of the rally in their unique and colourful regalia and uniforms for easy identification of where they belonged.
As early as 11am, the stadium, gaily decorated in the green, white, sky blue and red colours of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), was filled to the brim and spilling over like the cup described in the Lord’s prayer….
Petty traders, especially those selling the ubiquitous sachet water (aka pure water) and its more dignifying bottled variant, drinks, snacks and other edibles couldn’t have prayed for a better business day as they kept turning over their stocks as rapidly as the eyes blink. For the cocoa merchants, there was a lull in business as they locked up their stores in the face of no patronage. Of course, they also keyed into the rally for the endorsement of leaders who have greatly impacted on the lives of the downtrodden both at the federal and state levels.
The event was kick-started with a procession rally by the 18 local government areas of the state. Dancing rhythmically and fervently to indigenous music of the Royal Band of Cross River, complimented by dexterous and nimble Ohafia dancers from Abia, as well as entertainment by other artists including Johnny Cage, Upper X among others, their joy could be felt in every step they took, in every slogan they chanted.
Mounting the podium, Ironbar started with a song: “Morale o morale oo, nobody get morale like Tinubu,” and delved into the rhythm that shook the entire walls of the stadium. In an emotion-laden voice, he sang and enjoined the people to “Leave it there, leave it there, take your problem to Sweet Prince and leave it there, he will surely deliver you when you put your trust in him, take your problem to Sweet Prince and leave it there.”
Setting the tone for what was in the offing as his invocative speech, the song drew the attention of the congregants who had earlier taken shelter under the available decorated canopies to escape the rays of the scorching sun. That, however, did not deter them from returning to the open spaces to dance, twist their waists and engage in stylish steps while echoing the words of the music.
Basking in the euphoria of the moment, the DG, “Prince is Coming Movement” informed that the slogan, “Prince is Coming,” conceived and launched in 2015 was never intended to be a mere political catch phrase but a conscious and strategic movement rooted in the collective aspiration of addressing perceived political injustice against its leader, Prince Bassey Otu, who was unjustly denied the opportunity to return for a second term in the apex law making body.
According to Ironbar, the movement operates on the principles of peaceful and issue-based politics while advocating for constructive engagement, but total rejection of slander, character assassination and misinformation.
He charged members, stakeholders and supporters to intensify door-to-door advocacy and deepen grassroots mobilization in the resolve to return Tinubu and Otu in the 2027 elections, considering the numerous achievements recorded within their first three years in office.
Applauding the coordinators and members of the Movement for standing firmly at the forefront of the struggle, the Chief of Staff averred that while some were recognised through political appointments and empowerment opportunities, other loyal supporters were yet to be rewarded. He urged them to remain steadfast and never lose hope as the season of rewards and inclusions under the Otu-led administration will soon touch them, even as he announced the release of one bus each to the 18 local government areas, courtesy of the governor.
The state chairman of APC, Rt. Hon Chris Etta, applauded the initiators of the event for making the job easy for the party, maintaining that the movement remains a thorough grassroot mobilising group.
“I charge you to retire to your various local government enclaves, families, villages, friends and start the sensitisation exercise,” Etta charged them, adding: “Tell them about APC, preach APC, preach the good work our governor has done, tell them about the coastal rail line including the oil wells which the APC through Sweet Prince is ready to bring back, and don’t forget that APC is the only government at the national and state that has the courage to lead Nigeria.”
For the state coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Amb. Soni Abang, Cross River cannot be left out in the bid to return the President and his vice to Aso Rock, come 2027.
Abang informed that when the campaigns start, it would not be normal political campaigns but delivery on promises which would include the inspection and commissioning of projects, reiterating that “the state is lucky as its indebtedness are being paid, even as assets taken as collateral are being recovered.”
Speaker of the 10th House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, expressed excitement that the people of Ikom now speak in one voice unlike before the 2023 elections when they performed abysmally, especially during the elections that brought in the present administration.
Appreciating Otu for offering the Ikom people the Speakership position in spite of the number of votes garnered from the area in 2023, Ayambem announced the disbursement of 11 motorbikes to the ward chairmen of Ikom, in support of the gubernatorial campaigns, urging them to reach the nooks and crannies of the area to sensitize the people politically.
The trio of Dr. Julius Okputu, Hon Ernest Irek and Barr Eyo Ekpo who spoke on behalf of the Northern, Central and Southern senatorial districts of the state respectively, affirmed the resolve of the districts to canvass and vote massively for the victory of Tinubu and Otu, maintaining that the duo and their teams have proven through pragmatic projects and policies that they came prepared for governance.
Others, including Emmanuel Ndifon for Persons Living with Disabilities; women leader, Prince is Coming Movement, Dr Vera Adinya; chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Cross River chapter, Emmanuel Ulayi; and NACRISS President worldwide, Okoi Thomas, affirmed that they were in agreement with all resolves to return the President and governor having considered their landmark achievements which have reshaped the nation and state, extending to the rural dwellers and the less privileged.
They also thanked the governor for intervening promptly in the rescue of Cross River indigenous students in Jos, Plateau during the recent crisis in the area.
The Senator representing Cross River Central, who is also the chairman of Cross River National Assembly caucus, Senator Eteng Williams, flanked by state and national lawmakers at the podium, moved a motion for the return of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his vice. The motion was supported by Hon. Bassey Akiba who represents Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal constituency.
For the return of the governor and his deputy, Member representing Abi State Constituency and deputy leader of the 10th Assembly, Rt. Hon Davies Etta, noted that, “In the past three years you will bear with me that the administration of Prince Bassey Otu has recorded visible, tremendous, impactful and life transforming policies, and in view of the fact that Otu is still very active and not showing any sign of fatigue, and whereas there is so much room for more to be done, I hereby propose a motion for the endorsement of our governor, Prince Bassey Otu, and of course his deputy, Rt. Hon Peter Odey. I so propose.” The proposal was seconded by Hon. Omang Omang who represents Bekwarra State Constituency.
Responding, Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, remarked that there would be more employment, construction of more roads, hospitals and universities if the APC team returns in 2027.
Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon Peter Odey, the governor did not disappoint the crowd as he stole the show, dancing in his pair of jeans and T-shirt to the rhythm of the victory songs rendered by the musical team.
He applauded President Tinubu for the ongoing construction of the Calabar-Lagos coastal highway and the President’s dexterity in ensuring that the disputed oil wells are returned to the state.
Otu enjoined the people of the state to be prepared to receive the President and his team as plans have reached advanced stage for the flag off of the Bakassi deep seaport which will serve as an evacuation corridor while boosting the lives of the citizenry.
“The Prince is Coming Movement already has structures in all the wards in Cross River. Ensure you mobilize the people to get their voters’ cards as we want to give the President three million votes from our dear state.
“If you are thinking of running elections against Prince Bassey Otu, use the money to plant cassava as only that will benefit you and offer you more profit because with the work on ground which he has done in Cross River, other political parties will come and endorse him,” the governor said.
To politicians seeking various elective positions, the governor reminded them that they all belong to one political family, hence all should calm down as they will sit together to resolve all issues at the appropriate time.
“No need to quarrel or argue with any aspirant. Everyone has the right to aspire and campaign for whosoever you want to campaign for, but do not use abusive words,” the governor warned.
The event also featured the reception of half a million decampees from other political parties into the APC.
Among those who graced the occasion were the chairman, Central planning committee and chairman of Obudu local government area, Dr. Peter Undiandeye; Special Adviser to the governor on general duties who doubles as the chairman, media and publicity committee, Barr Ekpenyong Akiba; High Chief Peter Higgins; Chief Omang Idiege, and Chief Chris Agara.
