By Nakanda Inyadim
Cross River State governor, Ben Ayade, Saturday, at his Kakum, Obudu Local Government Area country home, said he was confident of victory in the March 9, governorship and House of Assembly elections.
Ayade who arrived the Kakum Town hall polling unit 004 with his wife, Lynda, at exactly 10:55am went through the accreditation process and cast his votes at about 10:59am.
The governor who spoke to newsmen shortly after casting his votes said: “I am very optimistic, let my three years plus in office be a validation of this election and my victory today.”
On the turnout of voters, Ayade disclosed that “the attendance is much more today, very massive and in high spirits and full of enthusiasm. This is my primary place of birth and apparently, every son and daughter is here in their large numbers. Some have come from Lagos and Abuja to cast their votes and I am very happy to I see this massive turnout.”
Commenting on the Independent National Electoral Commission’s preparedness, the governor remarked: “I am perfectly happy with the arrangement on ground, well organised and voting is going on peacefully.”
Continuing, Ayade said: “Election is getting more prepared and better prepared and that is why we get this pass mark,” adding that “I saw somebody who came to visit me by 9am and had already voted.
To the electorate, the governor said: “Your power is in your vote, so vote wisely.”
Wife of the governor, Lynda Ayade also applauded the turnout of voters, their calm attitude as well as the clement weather, pointing out that “women are getting more participatory and that is a good sign for us.”
She further added: “this shows that women liberation is getting ground in Nigeria.”
