By Sixtus Uket (Calabar)
A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart in Cross River State, Chief Sam Bassey, has asserted that the “Back To South” mantra of the State Governor Prof. Ben Ayade, is in favour of the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor.
Chief Bassey, who until recently, was a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State left the party two months ago following the marginalization of minorities within the Southern Senatorial District of the State by the APC.
He explained that he is in support of Prof. Onor, who is from the Central Senatorial District of the State because Cross River State is both patrilineal and matrilineal in nature.
Chief Bassey noted that: “In which case, someone can enjoy benefits or privileges from any part of the state if either of your parents are 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 is 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,” he stated.
He added: “The point here is that even if the sentiments of “Back To South” is invoked, Prof. Sandy Onor is very very qualified for the 2023 Governorship of Cross River State.”
Chief Bassey further stated that, “beyond the ‘Back to South’ sentiment, Prof. Sandy Onor is the most appropriate candidate for the 2023 Governorship of Cross River State.
“Prof. 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 Area 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 explained.
The PDP Chieftain further cited Onor’s experience as a sitting Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria where he was appointed the “Orator” of the 9th Assembly by the President of the Senate, Senator Lawan.
He stressed that, “all his experiences put together show that Prof. Onor is a round peg in a round hole, hence the most qualified to take charge of the State.”