…Hails Ngaji Over Victory
By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
A group within the Cross River State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, the APC Youth Lobby Group, has canvassed for a review of the just concluded Ogoja/Yala federal constituency and Akpabuyo state constituency bye-elections, with a view to forestalling the Akpabuyo scenario in future elections in the state.
The group also hailed the winner of the Ogoja/Yala federal constituency bye-election, Jude Ogbeche Ngaji, for emerging victorious in the fiece contest, where he conquered the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, contender in an election through dint of hard work.
The Chairman of the APC Youth Lobby Group, Mr Oden Ewa, made the call on Sunday in Ogoja, while hailing the member-elect shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC declared him the winner of the election.
In a good will message to Ngaji, Oden said, “Polling a total of 22,778 votes to defeat your closest rival, Hon. Mike Usibe of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who pulled 20,590 votes, in an election the opposition seemingly activated the chaos strategy and unleased terror on unsuspecting constituents of the Ogoja/Yala federal constituency, was no mean feat.
“Let me also most heartily congratulate His Excellency, our digital governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, for the victory, which is a validation that Cross River State is APC in principle and in practice.
“To every youth, party faithful, stalwarts and the electorate whose efforts culminated into the victory of the APC in the Saturday, February 26, 2022 Ogoja/Yala federal constituency bye-election, I say congratulations. The victory belongs to everyone of you.
“On behalf of the leadership and the entire membership of the APC National Youth Lobby Group, Cross River State chapter, I warmly congratulate Chief Jude Ogbeche Ngaji, for the electoral success at the just concluded poll.
“Despite reported cases of assault, perpetrated against members of the APC in parts of Ogoja, the resolute will of the people of Ogoja/Yala still prevailed.
“Ngaji, inspired by resilience and youthful vigour, skipped every hurdle machinated against his avowed resolve and eventually clinched the ultimate prize.
“As a youth body, we are proud to be associated with you on this historic achievement. You have always been a pearl, and we are certain that you will shine even brighter at the green chamber, to the glory of God and the benefits of the state and your esteemed constituents.
“Let me also thank stakeholders and party loyalists in Akpabuyo for the commitment to win. The Cross River State APC Youth Lobby Group recognizes the sincere efforts you had put into that election. We know you will make us proud subsequently, even as I implore you to quickly go back to the drawing board.”
The group pledged to work with the party stakeholders to ensure that the APC have solid grip of the state’s governance architecture now and in the future.
