Paul Udayi, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party in Cross River State, has tasked electorate in the state not to complain if they cannot vote in the right leaders in the 2019 general elections.
Udayi, who is aspiring to contest as governor of the state in the next election, charged the electorate who are disappointed in the way the state is being run, to effect a change.
He said this in Calabar on Wednesday while speaking with journalists on the need to get the right leaders elected into elective positions, adding that meaningful development could only take place when the right leaders are in positions.
Udayi, a real estate developer, said he would not distort the present zoning formula in the state which favoured the northern senatorial district, adding he would only need one term to execute his developmental programmes for the state.
He urged the electorate, with a call on those who are yet to collect their Permanent Voters Card, to get ready to change the narrative for the better.
He said, “Cross Riverians have a choice to decide their fate in the forthcoming general elections. If they miss it this time, they would have lost it. This is not the time to continue to complain, it is the time to make the change.
“Everyone who has not got his Permanent Voters Card should ensure to do that now so that they can vote in the kind of leadership they want.
“In order not to distort the zoning formula that is already in place, I will only do one-term of four years. I do not need more than three years to do all I need to do after which I will write my hand-over note.
“My intention to run for the governorship of Cross River State is in response to the cry of Cross Riverians for good leadership. As a child of God, I know that if the right leadership is on the throne, the people rejoice.
“I will reposition Cross River on the path of development and return the lost glory. When you think about development, the first thing that comes to mind is security. The moment you have good security in place, with the available natural and human resources, you do not need to go searching for investors. Investors will look for you because they have security for their investments.”
Udayi, who is from Obudu Local Government Area, said tackling infrastructure development and putting in place the right policies would attract investors.
In the real estate sector, Udayi said that he had invested over N15bn in housing schemes in the state, adding that he was ready to widen the scope if given the mandate to lead the state.
“The moment you have good infrastructure in place and the right operational policies, investors will trace you. Infrastructures development is what touches the life of the common man.
“I will also look at areas of entrepreneurial development, social and housing development, education and health. I will go all out for rescue mission. The state needs to be rescued.
“”As a realtor, I know the right thing to do and I have demonstrated it with the construction of over 300 housing units in Akpabuyo for the low and medium income earners and also a collaborative housing scheme for retired policemen in the Eight Miles axis of Calabar.
“The housing investment in Akpabuyo brought in not less than N15bn into the economy of the state. So, I have a testimonial. Shelter will top my priority as a governor. Within three years, the development I will bring to the state will be better imagined.”
