By Ekong Okpa
Obubra, Cross River State – The Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) has declared an oil magnate/entrepreneur, Hon. Kingsley Arikpo, winner of the November 2 polls in Obubra.
Arikpo, popularly known as Agbor Apollo, who emerged as Chairman of Obubra Local Government Area, was the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Arikpo was declared having scored overwhelming votes of 59791 to defeat his contender of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mr Oyom Mbok aka Obama.
Declaring the results, the Returning Officer for Obubra Dr Kwita Adomi, stated that in a total of 63,696, the APC scored 59,791 votes.
“Having scored the highest in the total votes cast, I hereby declare Hon. Kingsley Arikpo winner of the election,” Dr Adomi stated.
Speaking after the declaration in Obubra, the Chairman-elect, Hon. Arikpo thanked the people of Obubra for giving him the mandate to serve in that capacity.
Restating his commitment to good governance, and faithfulness to his campaign promises to the people, Arikpo covenanted that the gesture so far demonstrated by the people shall not be taken for granted.
The Chairman-elect, who also appreciates the leadership of the APC and other party faithful, called on all sons and daughters of Obubra, both at home and in the diaspora, to come together in support of the new administration.
Apollo further intimated that the doors are open for an inclusive government in the interest of the overall development of Obubra.
In goodwill, Chairman, Agbor Apollo Campaign Council, Sub-Leutenant Solomon Ekam (rtd) admonished the Chairman to deliver service to the people as a leader who has a fear of God.
Extolling his virtues, Ekam described Agbor Apollo as a visionary leader whose innovations would catapult Obubra LGA to the peak of its glorious past.
Ekam urged him to leverage his experience and capacity as an indefatigable entrepreneur and a magnate in the oil and gas industry to resolve the plethora of daunting challenges confronting Obubra as an LGA.
In a remark, a University Don, Dr Atan Egor, congratulated the new Chairman for the overwhelming victory at the polls.
Egor, who Headed both Physics and Mathematics Departments in the Faculty of Physical Sciences respectively at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), wished the Chairman an eventful and peaceful reign as Executive Chairman.