By Gabriel Bravo Oluohu
Former Governor Ben Ayade has suddenly discovered the need to court delegates and party members on the eve of the forthcoming primaries. His belated plan to host delegates and stakeholders smacks of desperation rather than genuine concern. He should, however, understand that our party delegates and stakeholders are discerning and fully aware of who has consistently stood by them. There is nothing more disingenuous than seeking friendship from those who were neglected for years, simply because they have now become politically useful.
With elections fast approaching next month, Prof Ayade has abruptly adopted the posture of a caring leader. Upon learning that our focused and performing Senator, Jarigbe Agom, had already hosted delegates, he has made a reluctant attempt to follow suit. This is nothing more than an afterthought. Delegates are, of course, free to partake in whatever provisions he now offers. After all, it is drawn from our commonwealth that was misappropriated.
In keeping with the principle of first engagement, Senator Jarigbe Agom, true to his proactive leadership style, had already taken the initiative to host and properly attend to delegates, demonstrating what responsible and effective representation looks like.
After neglecting party faithful for over three years, Senator Ben Ayade now appears to believe that a sudden display of generosity can alter perception. It cannot. Ayade has returned with his old style of deception, and the party delegates and stakeholders know better because this deceit is tantamount to hiding a secret in a transparent bottle. Even the finest engine, once left unattended without oil for too long, inevitably rusts.
As the saying goes, it is the man who remembers the canoe man in the dry season who will be helped across the river during the rainy season. Politics is rooted in partnership, collaboration, and a genuine sense of inclusion.
The people of Yala and Ogoja, who have already endorsed Senator Jarigbe Agom following recent consultations, remain firm and unequivocal in their support. The enlarged consultation of the stakeholders and delegates by Sen Jarigbe Agom was concluded with his endorsement as the one that fills the pulse of his, the party delegates and stakeholders in Abuja should be bold enough to tell Ayade that the people of Ogoja/Yala have already endorsed their illustrious son Sen. Jarigbe in an expanded consultative forum, and he should bury his inordinate ambition and Greek gift and rather strive to redeem his battered image because he is attempting to fetch water with a basket.That endorsement stands. Ayade would do well to stop deceiving himself, as he did while in office, and accept the current political reality.
The tears he sheds are crocodile tears and we know that style, he will cry again to the delegates and stakeholders but be rest assured that it is like a man crying under a heavy rain that can’t be noticed and the rain of failure will beat him again. If Prof Ben Ayade decides to redeem the 40 million naira he just pledged, collect it with pride as part of your stolen money and support Senator Jarigbe Agom’s developmental strides and his untiring superlative efforts.
Despite Ayade’s late efforts to regain ground, the truth remains clear, the people of Cross River North have rejected him before, and they will repeat it again and again. In all we do, may Ayade never happen to us again in Jesus name ?
Gabriel Bravo Oluohu, is an APC member and stakeholder since 2015.
The views expressed are entirely the writer’s
