By Frank Ulom
The Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Otu has told his archrival, Senator Sandy Onor to join his administration in order to move the state forward.
Otu stated this on Wednesday (22nd November 2023) after the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos affirmed his victory at the March 18, 2023 governorship election in the state.
CONVERSEER reports that Onor rejected the governorship election as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday 20th March 2023 and headed to court.
Onor’s case was trashed out by the Election Petition Tribunal Court on Tuesday 26th September 2023 but he decided to file an appeal at the Appeal Court.
Speaking shortly after the Appeal Court judgement, Governor Otu said “The ruling of the Court of Appeal today is a welcome development and affirms that we were overwhelmingly voted in by the people on 18th of March 2023.
“This ruling should bring an end to litigation on the outcome of the governorship election.
“For those in the opposition, especially my brother, Prof. Sandy Onor, I once again offer you a hand of friendship. Come and join my administration so that together we can move our state forward and bring about the dividends of democracy.
“My administration is fully re-energised to deliver on the People First Mandate, which is on track to repositioning our state for effective and responsive governance. I solicit the support and patience of all Cross Riverians as we navigate the challenging times towards the Cross River of our dreams.
“Let me reassure all our citizens that we are working round the clock to ensure that we deliver the best governance for our people. It is important also to note that reparations are in top gear for a robust and successful Calabar festival, while we continue to address other socio-economic and developmental issues.”
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The Governor, while applauding the Appeal Court ruling, said he was confident of the judicial outcome, knowing that the electorate had overwhelmingly voted for him during the governorship election.
CONVERSEER also reports that Otu of the All Progressives Congress, APC polled a total of 258,619 votes, winning 15 of the 18 local governments of the state to defeat Onor of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who polled 179,636 votes.