Social Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate in Cross River State, Eyo Ekpo, on a visit to the Obol Lopon of Ugep, Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng, has pronounced that, he is better equipped and will work to ensure the State enjoys absolute and sustainable peace when he becomes governor of the state.
Dwelling on the incessant communal clashes in several parts of the state, Ekpo further pronounced that he is familiar with the causes of communal crises in the State, as he had dealt with some of them while he served as Attorney-General in the Donald Duke Administration.
He noted that the causes of the recent crises in the State were rooted in the long absence of elected local governments; the deliberate failure to maintain previous close links between the State Government, the traditional institution and the people; the inexcusable degradation in the relationship between the State Government and the law enforcement and security agencies; all of which had given room for old grievances over farmland, chieftaincies and plantation royalties across the State to be resurrected and given new life.
“We’re aware of the crises between Usumutong and Ediba, Ebom and Ebijakara and the border communities between Yakurr and Obubra local government areas, which were discussed during your visit to the President. We can only hope that he listens and helps put an end to these crises because we can’t be leaders and these crises are allowed to continue.”
Responding, the Obol Lopon thanked the governorship aspirant for the visit, and praised the SDP for making an Ugep son the Chairman of the party. The Obol restated that his primary responsibility on the throne is to his people and that is why he has been doing all within his power to ensure peace in his area.
Following his private visit to the Obol Lopon, Ekpo went on to hold interactive sessions with a number of community associations and citizens of Yakurr LGA.
