Attempts by the member representing Calabar South/Akpabuyo/Bakassi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Essien Ayi, to seek a fifth term of four years, may have received a bashing just moments ago with several individuals from his constituency staging a march against him and registering so with the Cross River State House of Assembly.
The protesters who carried placards with varied inscriptions, sought and got audience with the Assembly’s Speaker, John Gaul Lebo, accompanied by principal officers of the House. Those who spoke specifically informed that they came to speak up against the wish of Ayi to return to the National Assembly. “He is our own Mugabe, please let him leave, we need a new face.”
That “new face”, www.calitown.com discovered is the Deputy Speaker of the CRSHA, Joseph Bassey, who clearly appeared to have given the protesters the nod to come to the House, drumming and singing as they made their demand and mission known. Bassey, whose political intention and flyers continue to flood the new media space, stood by acknowledging cheers.
John Gaul Lebo, who spoke briefly to the protesters, commended them for peacefully conducting themselves, praying that his deputy will listen to the voice of the people and run.
Mean while, sources close to the House of Representatives member, Essien Ayi, maintain that Ayi more than any other person, understands better the intricacies of National Assembly politics and has remained a political asset up until date. ” They are asking Joseph Bassey to run or Joseph Bassey mobilized them to come and ask him to run? We will all test our popularity in the field, that is for sure” the source concluded.
