November 24, (THEWILL) – Gubernatorial candidates in Cross River State have interfaced with the members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, as part of activities to mark this year’s media week.
The media Interface is tagged, “Governance Under Your Watch” and four political parties participated in the parley.
The participants include Professor Sandy Onor of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Patriarch Ogar Osim of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Odey (Deputy Governorship Flag-bearer) All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Redemption Party’s (PRP) Usani Uguru Usani.
Speaking on his agenda, Professor Sandy Onor said Cross River State is in a place we cannot be proud of and he understands the problem the state faces from multiple perspectives.
He said that the state needs us to bring the right people into governance and he embodied all qualities the next leader of the state needs.
“Our state is in a place we cannot say we are proud of, enough of murmuring from behind and then pretending all is well.
“Our streets are all filled up with filth and our problems are obvious even to the blind.
“We do not need policy statements, there are enough policy statements already and having served as Commissioner I understand the problem of the state from multiple perspectives.
“We need to bring the right people into governance and I possess the qualities the next leader of the state needs”, Professor Sandy said.
On his part, Patriarch Ogar Osim of the Labour Party said politics is somehow Divine and somehow Divine Providence nominated him and he accepted it.
He promised to run participatory governance, where everyone will have a voice and be allowed to play their role.
Peter Odey, the APC deputy Governorship Flag-bearer said the next administration will consolidate on the gains of the present administration.
He said the present administration industrialised the state and the next APC government will ensure the factories go into production.
He added that the APC agenda will centre around the three E’s: Employment, Empowerment and Emancipation.
Usani Uguru Usani, a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and PRP Guber flag-bearer said his previous performances in government stand him out and he will not propound cliches to impress anybody.
He promised to appoint a pension earner to manage the pension bureau and establish tenant farms so those who don’t have access to land can access it.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the NUJ Nsa Gill said the union is impartial and will allow all candidates to air their views.
About the Author
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
