C’RIVER NORTH BYE -ELECTION: Frank Ayade not for Senate – Group
While the raging debate over the ambition of Frank Ayade has continued unabated, a group under the aegis of Movement for Greater Cross River has warned those supporting Governor Ben Ayade’s younger brother to bury their heads in shame, describing them as the real enemies of the State.
The President of the group, Comrade White Uzong revealed the group’s stance in a press statement he issued to newsmen.
He condemned the idea of throwing up Ayade’s name for Senate, describing the call as unfortunate and insult to the people of Cross River North Senatorial.
Uzong wondered how somebody with reported cases of corruption, thuggery and violence will overnight become a worthy representative for the people of Cross River North.
He bemoans the attitude of some people who can settle for anything for money, while sacrificing the general will on a platter of gold.
He therefore called on the people of the zone, particularly the electorate to shun money politics and vote those with quality credentials and encouraging antecedents.
His statement reads: “We the members of Movement for Greater Cross River have rejected in its entirety the call for Frank Ayade, the younger brother of Governor Ben Ayade to contest the forthcoming bye-election to fill the Cross River’s senate sit.
” There is nothing good that can come out of the Ayades. We know that Frank is the de-facto governor as he runs the state with his brother as a personal estate.
“We cannot allow this dangerous trent to continue. While we are not disrespecting the dead, late Senator Rose Okoh was a disaster. She was foisted on the people of Cross River North by Governor Ayade. The woman was a mere statute in the Red Chambers. We cannot continue to tolerate such.
” We therefore urge our people both old and young not to allow selfish politicians turn Cross River to a banana republic.
“Frank has many corruption petitions hanging on his neck. He is a regular visitor to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. We believe in intellectual engagements and not somebody who will go to the Senate to exchange blows. It is not about fisticuffs but negotiations and working others to achieve a set goal.
“It is true that our constituency as a group goes beyond the boundaries of zones but Senatorial representation is beyond zones and States.
” We care less about political party. We are interested in the person who is knowledgeable in Nigerian political history; who is informed in negotiations; a person who has legal foundations with little or no negative baggage.”
He however described groups that have been campaigning for Frank as shameless groups who must have drunk from the corrupt wines of the Ayades.
