Mark’s Aide Lauds Political Momentum in Cross River Ahead 2015 Elections 

Senate President, David Mark

From: Diana Okon-Effiong, Calabar

Mr Victor Abang, the Special Assistant to the Senate President, Sen. David Mark, says current build-up in Cross River politics towards 2015 elections is healthy for residents’ political consciousness.

Abang also lauded what he called massive interest by the government and residents of the state in the distribution of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise.

He also told our Regional correspondent in Calabar that the political consciousness of the people and residents of Cross River was now healthier for the sustenance of democratic ideals of one-man-one-vote.
He said: “The political momentum as is currently experienced in the state is good for the polity. Better late than never.

“Our prayer is that the process will lead to free, fair and credible party primaries and the 2015 general elections.

“My advice to voters and would be voters is, take the INEC distribution of PVC and CVR exercise seriously because their voters card is their power.

“The voters’ card with its new biometric features can also be used for other means of identification outside the primary purpose of voting in an election.

“Relevant agencies and INEC must also up their organizational abilities to ensure a peaceful and successful exercise.

He also rated the performances of Cross River representatives at the Senate, saying their performances were satisfactory in his estimation.

“As someone who is privileged to work in the office of the President of the Senate for about 10 years. I have interacted with several Principal Officers and other Distinguished Senators across the country.

“Cross River Senators have done relatively well. For instance, Sen. Ben Ayade was a very vocal voice during the debate for the Prisoner’s Transfer bill that was passed by the Senate.

“Sen. Bassey Otu has also been very active at plenary and at the committees which he has chaired, first as chairman of Finance Committee and more recently as chairman of committee on Banking.

“The Senate Leader Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba SAN is a tailor made, customized square peck in square hole and fit for the occasion legislator.

“His carriage, comportment, elocution, good sense of judgment, dedication to duty, compassion for his constituents and humility are second to none in the present senate.

“His eloquence can be likened to the famous Senator Daniel Webster who represented Massachusetts in the US Senate.

Abang said it was not true that there were frosty relationship between Gov. Liyel Imoke of Cross River and Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba.

He said: “The Senate Leader and His Excellency the Governor have a relationship that predates their entrance into politics.

“They continue to enjoy a very healthy and robust relationship to the chagrin of their political adversaries.

“The alleged quarrel of our two statesmen is a creation of rumour mongers/political jobbers who plan to profit from any such disagreement. You will recall that at the empowerment programme in Ikom.

“The Governor spoke so glaringly of the Senate Leader’s quality representation putting a lie to the alleged quarrel between them.

“Recall also that my boss the President of the Senate in his speech commended them for their unity of purpose and urged them to continue to work for the good of the people of Cross River.