February 19, (THEWILL) – A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Sam Bassey, has said the ‘Back To South’ sentiment of Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, favours the PDP guber candidate in the state, Professor Sandy Onor.
The back to South agenda of the State Government aims to ensure the next Governor of the State come May 2023, is from the southern Senatorial District of the state.
Justifying his support for Professor Sandy, who is patrilineally from the Central Senatorial District of the State, Chief Bassey said Cross River is both patrilineal and matrilineal.
He said people can enjoy benefits or privileges from any part of the State if either of their parents is from the State.
“Even the ‘Back To South’ sentiment is very good for Prof. Sandy Onor because his mother is from Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State.
“Yes, Cross River State is both Patrilineal and Matrilineal.
“You can enjoy any benefits or privileges in any part or the entire Cross River State if any of your parents are from any part of the State.
“Examples abound of persons whose fathers are non-Cross Riverians but mothers with Cross River State Citizenship that have been appointed and elected into public offices in and outside Cross River State.
“They cut across the three Senatorial Districts of Cross River State. We have one from the Central Senatorial District, who is currently the Chairman of a Federal Blue chip Board.
“The father of this great gentleman is not from Cross River State but his beloved mother is a great daughter of Cross River State. We are very proud of him.
“The point here is that even if the sentiments of ‘back to south’ is invoked, Professor Sandy Onor is very very qualified for the 2023 Governorship of Cross River State,” he said.
Beyond the back to South sentiment, he posited that Professor Onor is the most appropriate candidate for the 2023 Governorship of Cross River State.
He explained that he (Professor Onor), “has risen to the pinnacle of the Academic Community as an erudite Professor of History with many publications that have made appearances in Prestigious International Journals to his credit.
“He was Chairman of Etung Local Government, where he did very well, leaving his positive footprints on the sands of time. He, as Chairman of Etung Local Government, had his leadership qualities identified, just as the peacock that cannot be hidden and was elected the Vice Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
“He has served as the Chairman of the Cross River State Local Government Service Commission as well as Cross River State Commissioner for Agriculture and Commissioner for Environment,” he averred.
He also cited his experience as a sitting Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Orator of the Red Chambers.
He surmised that all his experience shows that Professor Onor is a round peg in a round hole, hence he’s the most qualified to take charge of the State.
Chief Bassey, a former member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), left the party two months ago following his perceived marginalisation of minorities within the Southern Senatorial District of the State by the APC.
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.
