Ukelle Nation Endorses President Tinubu, Governor Bassey Otu for Second Term ...Achadu Declares Re-election Bid

 

Stakeholders and party supporters in Ukelle,  Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and His Excellency Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Otu for second terms in office as Hon Dr  Martins Achadu, member representing Yala II State Constituency formally declared his intention to seek re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The endorsement took place during an endorsement rally convened by Chief Asegem Emmanuel,  Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Timber Control in the Northern Senatorial District at Ijiraga, South Ukelle which drew political leaders, party executives and community representatives from across Ukelle.

Chairman of  Ukelle Leadership Forum, Hon. Dr John Ulafor in an interface with Ukelle Traditional Rulers Council, stakeholders and All Progressives Congress executives at both chapter and at the ward level as well as party supporters  said that while zoning remains a recognised principle in Ukelle the prevailing political realities and body language of government require alignment to attract more development to the Ukelle . He urged the Wanokom people and the wider Ukelle  to support the re-election of Hon Achadu to ensure continued access to government and delivery of democratic dividends.

Presenting his scorecard, Hon Achadu who heads the House Committee on Education thanked Ukelle people for keeping faith in him even when they had a chance at the re-run election to alter their earlier choice.

 Dr Achadu highlighted projects executed across all wards in Ukelle including school construction in Wanikade and Wanokom as well as borehole projects in Wanihem, Igede, Ijiraga and Mfuma Ntrigom. He pointed out that his projects are now targeted at the different Clans in Ukelle. 

Similarly, the State Assembly member  also referenced his 2024 bursary programme named"Educational Grant Support", which benefited members of the National Association of Ukelle Students, Post Graduate Students as well as undergraduate Medical and Law Students.

Dr Achadu said plans are underway to expand the scholarship scheme to include Master’s degree students while noting the increasing number of beneficiaries seeking advanced education.

At the event, Hon Ulafor moved a motion for the endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term while Hon Martha Achadu, councillor representing Wanikade Ward moved a separate motion endorsing Governor Otu for a second term. Both motions were unanimously adopted by voice vote and received applause from attendees including Hon. Fabian Igbri, former Leader of the Yala Legislative Council and Hon. Godwin Igelle, immediate past Senior Legislative Aide to the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency representative who seconded the motions respectively.

Hon Achadu also received a broad endorsement from constituents for a second term with stakeholders citing his role in fostering peace and development in Ukelle. Chief Asegem Emmanuel who presided over the endorsement, described it as a reflection of the people’s will having understood the need to re-elect President Tinubu, Governor Otu and Hon Dr Martins Achadu.

In his remarks, Hon Jacob Onawo, Community Relations Officer for Yala II to the Governor, emphasized the need for continued support for Achadu, stating that while zoning is important, experience is critical to advancing the interests of Ukelle.

Speaking at the event, the  Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Yala LGA, Hon.Marcel Ebi, said the endorsement signals “a new thinking in Ukelle” and marks the beginning of a renewed political direction.

Several state appointees which included Dr Stephen Eguba Ekwok II and several other appointees as well as life caucus members of the party took turns to harmonise the tripod event.

The meeting was attended by APC Chapter Executives led by Hon. Stanley Ebi, the party’s Chapter Secretary in Yala, and the Chapter Women Leader, Rose Igbang. Also present were five councillors from Ukelle, including Hon. Monday Ekpabi, Deputy Leader of Council; Hon. Joseph Egwa Wanokom Ward; Hon. David Udaga Wanihem Ward; Hon. Martha Achadu Wanikade Ward; and Hon. Sylvester Ugo Igede Ward.

Ward chairmen of the APC and other party executives alongside party adherents and community leaders were also in attendance. Participants expressed a shared commitment to sustaining development in Ukelle as they  described Hon Achadu as central to that objective.