The Coalition for Peter Obi, (CPO) have collectively agreed to throw its weight behind Sen. Sandy Onor, governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) in the March 11 election.
This was disclosed by Dr Matthew Ebim, Director of the Support Groups in Cross River, in a press conference held in Calabar.
Ebim who spoke on behalf of the support groups that were 12 in number, said the decision to support Onor was taken after careful examination of the major contestants in the governorship election in the state and their manifestoes.
“The CPO decided that their anchorage with the candidature of the PDP is the only viable option in the interest of Cross River.
“The sterling qualities and achievements of Onor in all the positions he has held, from his time as chairman of Etung LGA, to commissioner and senator has proven that he is a man capable of offering Cross River effective leadership,” he said.
He called on all members of the “Obidient Movement in the state to cast their votes for the governorship candidate of the PDP come March 11.
On his part, Mr Bankong Obi, Leader of the Obi/Datti Youth Support Alliance, said the state could no longer sacrifice competence on the altar of Federal Character because it has prevented growth.
“By now, we should have matured to the point where people are given positions based on their capacity and performance and not trivialize political office by making it a tribal or regional affair.
“Cross River at this point, needs a governor that will sit down and do the work and Sen. Onor has the prerequisite knowledge to do the work,’’ he said..
Similarly, Dr Paul Njama, Leader of Peter Obi to the Rescue Movement, said they are a movement that believe in credible candidates which they have seen in the candidate of the PDP.
He added that they are not against any candidate but believe in the competence of Onor to bring Cross River out of the poor state it has found itself.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Cross River in the last few months have been divided over the issue of power rotation which the All Progressive Congress, (APC) supports while PDP feels the job of governor should be thrown open to anyone irrespective of senatorial district in the state. (NAN)