Traditional rulers
in Cross Rivers State have endorsed the presidential bid of President
Goodluck Jonathan and are set to direct their subjects to vote for him
in the April presidential election. At a reception for the president
and his vice Namadi Sambo at the Council of Chiefs Chamber in Calabar
on Monday, they said “every thing has its time and season, it is time
for the South South geopolitical zone to produce the next president of
the country”.
The ruler of
Bakassi Local Government Area, Etinyin Etim Okon Edet said the royal
fathers have watched with keen interest the steady progress made by the
president since he has been in public office as deputy governor,
governor, vice president, acting president and president and are now
convinced that Jonathan has better credentials than other candidates.
“Despite being an incumbent president, Mr. Jonathan has been going
round the country campaigning while other candidates are yet to follow
suit in spite of the fact that elections is just few weeks away. This
is an act of commitment and hard work,” he said.
He also observed
that Cross Rivers State knows how to do things the right way and that
with governor Liyel Imoke as the zonal coordinator of Jonathan/Sambo
Campaign Organisation in the South-South, “the matter is done because
it is time for South-South to demonstrate to Nigerians that its right
president is Goodluck Jonathan. We assure you of block votes,”
In his response,
Mr. Jonathan said he is in the state to appreciate the people for their
support given to the administration since his days as the vice
president. According to him, the President’s team stands for one united
Nigeria and does not discriminate and with humility, they hope to
achieve much for the people as they intend to tackle economic issues
and create jobs and wealth even as the administration takes the issue
of security very seriously.
Mr. Imoke in his
speech, said though it was not necessary for President Jonathan to
campaign in Cross Rivers state, it was proper for him and his campaign
team to pay respects to the traditional rulers because of his humble
nature.
