Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Yakurr communities in the 13 council wards of Constituency I and II in Yakurr Local Government Area have unanimously endorsed Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, for a second term.
The endorsement, which took place at a stakeholders’ breakfast meeting with the Senator held at Mkpani on Sunday, was attended by Honourable members representing Yakurr I and II State Constituencies, Hon. Cyril Omin and Hon. Mercy Akpama respectively, the Council Chairman, Hon. Yibala Inyang, councillors, State and LG appointees, the State Treasurer of APC, chapter chairman and 13 ward executives, and top party chieftains including Johnson Ugbor.
Declaring the meeting open, the chairman of the forum, Mr. Johnson Ugbor, said: “Politics is not about abuse and insults. It is about what you can attract to your people. Our Senator is a good person, and he has attracted some projects to us. All we need now is to pray and work for those representing us so that when it is your turn, another person will work for you.”
Speaking at the event, Hon. Yibala Inyang, Yakurr Council Chairman, said all the fighting being heard is a distraction.
He stated, “Senator Eteng Williams has barely spent two years in office, and people are already stirring problems. Politics is about showing results, and what the Senator is doing now is the right approach. The Governor has not declared that elections have commenced nor has he endorsed anyone. This is a time for governance, so don’t let anyone mislead you.”
Furthermore, a motion for the adoption of Sen. Eteng Williams was moved by Hon. Mercy Akpama (Yakurr II State Constituency) and seconded by Hon. Cyril Omin (Yakurr I State Constituency), Speaking after the adoption, Hon. Mercy Akpama said: “All the five council wards in Yakurr II have decided to stand with their son. Ikom supported their son and he served for 12 years. So why can’t we achieve the same for Sen. Eteng Williams? It is time for the Central to support a Yakurr son.”
Also, Mr. Eton Eyong from Idomi Ward said: “Idomi stands with Senator Eteng. We just want the Senator to support us and take us to the promised land. Even if he runs a third time, the people of Idomi will support him.”
Chief Ebali Brown from Ijiman Ward stated: “Politics is like food and everyone wants a share. People are fighting because the tree bears fruit. Continue the empowerment and work with politicians who have influence in their communities.”
From Bikobiko Ward, Hon. Adolphius said: “The Senator should not be distracted. The person causing problems is from my ward, but he does not represent us. We are the grassroots, and we are with you. Please work with us, we are the ones who will deliver you.”
Engr. Matthew Bassey from Ijom Ward said: “We’ve seen your impact in Ijom, and we are with you. You won all elections here, and we’ll continue to support you. We are not bothered by what others say, Ijom is for you.”
Mr. Cyril Itam from Ikpakapi Ward and a former SUBEB secretary said: “We’ve been neglected when it comes to appointments. Please come to our aid. We have no roads or electricity.”
Chief Otabe Leko, State NULGE Chairman from Nko Ward, said: “Many people have worked and deserve to be acknowledged. This meeting is important, it shows a sense of belonging.”
Hon. John Bassey from Ajere Ward said: “We already have the Council Chairman and we’re satisfied with that. But the Senator should help build a structure for the school.”
Hansome Offem Ubi from Ekori Ward added: “Politics is about going out to vote and bringing something home for your people. Even though you didn’t win Ekori, you got meaningful votes in every polling unit. Politics isn’t church, there will always be opposing views. Focus and work with the people, and we will deliver our polling units during elections.”
Mr. Nnanna Abam from Epenti Ward said: “We control over 80% of the votes. If you give us a road, we’ll give you 100% in 2027.”
Elder Willy Akpama from Nkpolo Ward said: “We are APC and we appreciate all you’ve done for us. We have some political appointees, and we’re working to strengthen the party for the next elections.”
Tony Ekereke from Iyima Ward said: “We have no one speaking for us, and that’s not right. Please look into our situation. Our school lacks staff. Kindly reach out to the Ministry of Education to help us and appoint someone who can speak for us in your absence.”
Retired school Principal, Mark Osogi from Assiga Ward said: “We’re grateful for this meeting. APC has no issues in Assiga, whatever our leaders say, we follow. We proved that in the 2023 elections. We need help with the Ekori–Assiga road.”
Okoi Abam from Mkpani-Agoi Ward said: “In 32 years, we’ve never had a meeting like this. We’re grateful. A Yakurr son shouldn’t be removed after one term. Old Ikom had this position for over 24 years before it came to Old Obubra. It’s our turn now, and we won’t let it go. We want a ranking Senator.”
Commending the convener, the chairman of ward chairmen in Yakurr APC, John Ikpi Okon, said: “We appreciate the Senator for bringing people together for this meeting. Please do this regularly. We commend you for the development you’ve brought to Yakurr. All the ward chairmen have passed a vote of confidence in Senator Eteng Jonah Williams for 2027.”
Speaking on behalf of the women’s group, Ms. Rita Ogar Oden said: “We thank our leaders for their continued support for women in Constituencies I and II. We are proud and ready to mobilize when the time comes. We reject politics of bitterness and hatred. We also need a bus to help us move around. There is no vacancy in 2027.”
In his response, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams thanked the people of Yakurr for celebrating Easter with him at his residence.
“This is a time to touch lives and thank God. I may not be able to address every challenge, but I will do my best. The Ekori Road project will soon commence under the NDDC, and within two years, we hope to have resolved about 70% of your concerns.”
“It’s not about what you lack, but your loyalty to the party. Whatever is due to you will reach you. I don’t make noise—I know what to do.”
“This time, politics is different. It’s the first time members of the same party are fighting each other. Every Yakurr person is my brother or sister. I’ll continue working for everyone to ensure our communities benefit from democratic dividends.”
“The Yakurr people have never worn the Senate cap in the National Assembly until now. Let’s protect it and use it to improve our lives.”
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to scholarships, human capital development, and infrastructural growth, noting: “Our Governor, Bassey Otu, loves Yakurr and is doing everything to empower us. I’ve heard you all, and my team and I will work harder to better the lives of our constituents.”
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