By Solomon Ugo
Wanikade Ward has celebrated Likpee Ukelle with applause to the State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for being a God-fearing leader with a natural and unique sense of justice as the hallmark of his governance.
The Likpee celebration held on the 18th of September 2024 provided common ground for the Wanikade people to reach out to the other 13 wards of Yala in solidarity and brotherhood concerning the chairmanship position which naturally goes to the ward being the only ward amongst the six wards of Ukelle that has not produced a chairman of Council elected or appointed since the inception of Yala Local Government Area.
Likpee Ukelle celebration afforded the people of Wanikade Ward an opportunity to offer thanksgiving by calling themselves together to thank God for having Senator Prince Bassey Otu as Governor of Cross River State, especially in the firm knowledge that the governor fears God, who is always just and fair to humankind.
In an assurance about the elusive chairmanship position for which Wanikade remains the only ward that has not produced a chairman in the entire Ukelle. Stakeholders from all works of life in the ward expressed that their justice would be heard and acted upon by zoning the Chairmanship ticket of All Progressives Congress to the ward this time around.
Unanimously they stated that “Wanikade is the only ward in Ukelle that has not produced a chairman of Council in Yala Local Government Area”.
“The people have assembled in support of the governor’s justice including the fact that he has shown fairness in distributing his appointments in the state which has been a fair share of justice and we are also assured that our justice of zoning the Chairmanship ticket of the All Progressives Congress to Wanikade ward would come to fruition”.
While thanking God for having the governor with a human face, they said, “Cross River State is now peaceful in all areas. The blessings of God through the governor is responsible for the infrastructural strides which has given real Hope to the people.
“In a couple of months, a properly asphalted road which would boost the economic potentials of the people would be achieved.”
They further reiterated that the “Road is a huge gift to the Wanikade and Ukelle people because the ward houses one of the largest markets in Northern Cross River. The people are very excited at the new lease of life on the road.”
While responding to the ray of hope exuded by the people, Dr Julius Okputu, a Member of the Cross River State Policy Advisory Committee said; “just like the governor has handed the state to God in reverence to God’s direction, Wanikade people have also decided to hand over the ward to God in affirmative action for the good of all. It is in the name of God and His justice that we are gathered in one accord as a people to say the journey of our justice begins from here.”
According to Egede Monday Okoko, the All Progressives Congress Chairman in the ward specifically appealed to all stakeholders in the state and the party to leverage on the prospect of zoning the chairman position to Wanikade Ward in North Ukelle which is firmly poised to provide the needed leadership in Yala Local Government Area.
Notable attendees at the meeting included Wing Commander Stanley Okputu, Mrs Paulina Ujiji, Bishop Mathew Okata, party executives, traditional rulers, women and youth groups expressing a united front in view of the fact that Wanikade ward is yet to produce a Chairman in Yala Local Government Area.
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