AHEAD of the 2027 general election, the people of Central Senatorial District of Cross River State have expressed concerns over what they called sit-tight syndrome and failed representation that have not produced any legacy dividends of democracy, calling for a shift and a new direction in the choice of representatives.

They also condemned the alleged attempts at blackmailing the state Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Oden Ewa, through the media and other underhand means, describing such moves as dead-on arrival.
According to the stakeholders, Ewa is highly respected and acknowledged for his commitment to the development and well-being of the people and communities.

Leading this call during a recent public engagement in the zone, Okoi Ofem Obono-Obla, who is a former aide to late president Muhammadu Buhari, urged the senator representing Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Eteng Williams, to drop his re-election bid.

He noted that after 16 years of representation–12 years at the State House of Assembly and four years at the Senate–it was time for him to bow out, adding that it would be unfair of Williams to continue to monopolise the office, “with no attendant benefits to the people over the years.”

Obono-Obla charged the political leaders and elite of the zone, particularly Yakurr, ‘‘to demonstrate courage and speak a long-overdue truth to our distinguished senator.”
He added: “He must be boldly reminded to his face that he is not the only politician from Yakurr. It is now time to bow out and allow another competent son of Yakurr to step forward and contribute. Power is inherently transient; it is not a personal possession to be clutched indefinitely. One cannot force representation upon a people whose needs and aspirations evolve.

“If this wise counsel is ignored and he chooses to force his way onto the ballot again, the consequence will be clear–he will be voted out during the primaries.

“We, the people, are completely tired of this elongated stay in power. He is not our only son. His prolonged and often factional leadership has, unfortunately, given us a wrong impression of someone entrusted with our sacred mandate. Yakurr yearns for renewal and inclusive progress. Let our leaders be bold enough to say so and act accordingly.”

Other speakers at the event corroborated Obono-Obla’s position.

One of them said: “It is a political indictment of failed representation. Power is entrusted to attract federal presence, not to recycle palliatives and rename mediocrity as achievement. When a senator reduces representation to handouts, media hype, and selective tokenism, the office itself is being diminished.”