NDC warns against money, rice politics in Cross River

Pledges accessible leadership, effective representation

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) deputy governorship candidate in Cross River State, Stella Archibong, has urged voters in the state to reject money and rice politics, saying such will never sustain the voter until the next election.

Archibong, who is also a Bishop-elect, spoke on Saturday during a visit to party stakeholders in Ward 8, Calabar South Local Government Area.

“I came to encourage my people that elections this time should be beyond money and rice. Vote your conscience above money,” she said.

“Nothing that they will give you for your votes will ever change your life. Money given to trade votes will never carry you till the next elections, likewise the rice offered.”

The deputy governorship hopeful said political change would only come when citizens decide to act, not just complain, tasking them not to lose hope and stay away from exercising their franchise.

“Two mistakes never make a right. If you don’t like what is happening, come out and vote against it, don’t stay away from voting. It’s time for political change in Cross River and Nigeria,” Archibong declared.

She called on voters to support NDC candidates “across the board” and drive its message of quality leadership, accessibility and effective representation to the various units.

She added that the party’s governorship candidate, Upan Odey, means well for the state and is very committed to the service and advancement of the state.

Also speaking, the party’s Vice Chairman South, Clement Ene, tasked stakeholders to “join hands and salvage the state and country for the good of our children,” noting that NDC has “tested and proven leaders who will not fail the people.”

Candidate for Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency, Ededem Hogan, said there was “enough hopelessness in the country” and the party was out to “change the narrative for our people.”

Anthony Duke, candidate for Calabar South 1 State Constituency, said the area had “lacked effective representation” and it was “time to give voice to the people.”