Below is the full unedited text of the press statement
This press statement is necessitated pursuant to the falsehood or unfounded speculations largely spread by some leading members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,in Cross River State to the effect that the state Labour party has formerly reached an understanding with the state PDP leadership to vote its presidential candidate,Dr Goodluck Jonathan in the March 28th presidential polls.
These speculations are so strong and have neccessitated my reaction as the state chairman of the largest and fastest growing political party in CRS. To be confronted severally and asked many disturbing questions to either confirm or deny this malicious speculations is a task I am confronted with everyday. Let me state for purposes of clarity that, until such an arrangement is reached and formalized by all the parties to the bargain (if any), I do hereby,unequivocally deny and say that the Labour party is not aware of any formal or informal arrangement with the state PDP leadership.
Granted that the Labour party has no presidential candidate and by implication is exposed to vote for any of the two leading presidential candidates subject to the party’s discretions, may I again reiterate that none of their representatives has reached any understanding however with us to support their presidential candidate in CRS come March 28th 2015. The choice remain open for now.
It’s a known fact in CRS because of Labour party’s acceptability and rapid growth it has fielded candiates in all the contestable positions across the state,and would wish away pockets of blackmail orchestrated by blunt political jobbers, no matter how highly placed so that our teeming supporters will not be misled. Unfortunately, Governor Liyel Imoke inspite of the challenges he is facing by reason of the fact that nearly half of the CRS population has now moved over to Labour party, arrogates to himself howbeit falsely that he alone with some members of his party with one leg in PDP and others in Labour party believe he can single handedly deliver to President Jonathan the votes required to win CRS with their unpopular candidates..Insofar as our support as a party lies where our hearts secretly are, we would not want to be blackmailed or stampeded into a costly decision without following due process.
In the circumstance, we urge on Labour party members/supporters across the state to remain steadfast until a firm and proper directive is given.
FORWARD EVER BACKWARD NEVER.
Austine Ibok
State chairman
