Dr Alex Egbona, the member representing the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives got a convincing support for his fresh term ambition from Nko community of Yakurr Local Government on Monday.
It happened as he flagged off his consultative visit to the area, in the company of the central senatorial district candidate of the PDP, Chief John Ifere who was equally endorsed by the Nko people.
From the traditional rulers to the youths, women and elders, Egbona was assured of the massive support of Nko people who said they were obligated to pay him back for his kindness towards them, especially during their trying period.
According to them, of all politicians and political leaders in the state, it was only Egbona who visited and brough relief to them, including cash, when they had communal conflict with their neighbours and had to flee their homes.
They also made reference to the gigantic water project he attracted to their community, as well as the employment he facilitated for their sons and daughters in various federal government agencies, as well as the empowerment of their children.
The Nko Traditional Rulers Council, led by the Obol Lopon of Nko, HRM Obol Etim Ayomobi, offered royal blessings to the visiting candidates, among them, two house of assembly candidates.
The consultation also brought together several notable political stakeholders, including Mr. Fred Njar, PDP State Treasurer, Chief Ekpo Bassey Ofem, former Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Council; Barr. Chucks Agube, former Chairman of Abi Local Government Council; and Hon. Inah Ubi (Morocco), PDP Leader in Yakurr.
During the rally, about 2,100 persons from the two council wards of Nko announced their defection from other political parties to the PDP.
Addressing the gathering, Egbona made it clear that the visit was not a campaign rally, but a consultation visit. But he wondered how the situation would be when he returns there for campaigns in December.
Defectors Join PDP as Egbona Consults Assiga Community
Assiga community witnessed a major political shift as Egbona paid a consultation visit to the community alongside Ifere, and members of the PDP train.
The delegation was received by the Assiga Traditional Rulers Council, led by HRM Obol Felix Uket Uguru, who offered royal blessings to the visiting leaders and urged them to continue working together to address the community’s biggest concern—the Ekori/Assiga road.
The visit also gave the PDP a significant boost, as about 512 persons officially defected to the party. The new members were presented to the PDP leadership in Assiga by Mr. Williams Eyong.
Addressing the people, Egbona reminded them of some of the projects he facilitated in the last seven years, including the installation of streetlights, the solar inverter at the Assiga Primary Health Centre, and employment opportunities for young people from the community.
He appealed for unity and encouraged the people to compile a list of their priority needs so they could be addressed when he returns for campaign activities.
At Inyima, More Defectors Accept The Umbrella
Egbona, alongside the PDP candidate for Cross River State Central Senatorial District were also at the Inyima community, where about 201 persons chose to quit their former parties to join the PDP.
In joining the party, many of the defectors said they made the decision as a way of supporting Egbona and Ifere to secure victory in 2027 into the National Assembly.
The candidates were first received by Traditional Rulers Council, led by HRM Eval Ferdinand Eyo, who offered royal blessings to the visiting aspirants.
Speaking during the visit, Egbona said he would want to see a list of their expectations from him and Ifere by the time they return in December for campaigns. He said he had touched many lives in Inyima and would continue to do more.
He highlighted some of the projects he has facilitated in Inyima, as well as employment opportunities he has helped secure for people from the community. He appealed for the continued support of the people of Inyima as he seeks a third term in the House of Representatives.
In his remarks, HRM Eval Ferdinand Eyo said Egbona deserved their support because he was in the habit of consistently responding promptly whenever he reached out to him for assistance. He described this responsiveness as a major reason for his confidence in Egbona’s representation, noting that the experience had also contributed to the community’s decision to support the PDP.
The traditional ruler and the people of Inyima pledged their support for Egbona for a third term, Ifere for the Central Senatorial District, and the PDP aspirant for Yakurr II State Constituency, Hon. Kingdom Wisdom.
And Imabana Stands Still For Egbona
Of all the council wards he visited, the climax was Imabana 1and 2, where hundreds of people defected to the PDP, led by a former local government chairman, Chuks Agube. The people lined up on two sides of the road as they waited for the arrival of Egbona and his team.
The town was shut down for hours, while the visit lasted. Shop owners had a field day selling their goods as the visitors hopped from one shop to another to either get food, drinks or water, as the sun was scorching.
Agube almost mobbed by the excited crowd, who tried to lift him above their heads, in apparent show of their love for him.
As he addressed the crowd, Egbona thanked them for coming out en masse to receive the visitors and noted that he was satisfied at the people’s response which he said was a show of appreciation for all the projects he attracted to their community, including primary school blocks, electrification projects, equipment for their health centre which he renovated and trained the health workers and also facilitated the employment of their children.
He urged them to always ask his opponents to point to what they have done in the community during their time in public offices. He promised to do even more for the people once he returned to the seat in 2027.
