Kinsmen Root for Egbona, Say Scorecard Good Enough For Another Term

Ahead of the 2027 election, thousands of people from Ekureku in the Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State on Sunday adopted their son and member of the House of Representatives, Dr Alex Egbona as their choice for the seat in 2027.

The endorsement took place at the St Benedict Primary School, where women, youths, traditional rulers and elders converged to assess the performance of the lawmaker. They reasoned that having done extremely well in about seven years, he deserved a third term.

Speaker after speaker eulogised Egbona and praised his focus on the development of the entire Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency. They said since he did not disappoint them, it was well deserving for him to return for a third term, especially since the Yakurr people with whom they shared the seat, served for 20 years before he took over.

One of the prominent sons of Ekureku, Prof Idaka Idaka, who spoke in the local dialect, said “today, I am deeply proud to be called an Ekureku son. I remember the days when, even at the National Assembly or in Abuja, it was difficult to gain recognition simply because we were not from one of the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria.

 “But today, the story has changed. An Ekureku son is now actively involved in the affairs of our country, and our voice is being heard. We have never had it this good. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to support, protect, and return our own—so that this progress is not only sustained but strengthened for generations to come.

One of the coordinators of the event, Mrs. Gladys Egbata, who is also the women leader for Ekureku Ward 2, highlighted the achievements of Egbona in the last seven years and noted the lawmaker’s intervention in various sectors, including health and electricity.

She also spoke about his two major empowerment programmes, including free medical outreach and the establishment of a monotechnic in Ekureku, where skills like shoe, bag, and belt making were taught, to promote self-employment.

She said there was no need to look elsewhere for a representative and emphasized that after their sister local government held the House of Representatives seat for 20 years, it was Abi’s turn and Ekureku son should return in 2027.

The youth leader as well as royal fathers also spoke, declaring their support for his re-election. The people also endorsed the president, Bola Tinubu and the governor, Prince Bassey Otu, for a second term election.

Responding, Egbona thanked them for not only endorsing him but also endorsing the president and his governor. “ I sincerely appreciate each and every one of you for your unwavering support over the years.

“From 2015 to 2019, you stood firmly with me and in 2020, during the rerun election famously tagged “Ekureku Decides,” your unity and commitment were remarkable. That historic moment has now become a model, not just in Cross River State but across the region.

“I extend my special appreciation to our mothers and fathers, whose dedication and active participation during that period played a vital role in our success. Your efforts will never be taken for granted.”

He renewed his commitment to serving the people and spoke on the various projects he has already listed for execution in the federal constituency. “Today, we continue to make progress. We are currently constructing one of the largest civic centres in the entire state, a project that will serve our community for generations to come.

“During my recent visit to Anong Likpo, where I once lived, I reaffirmed my promise to provide a solar-powered borehole. I assure you that before the end of this year, clean and accessible water will be made available to the people.

 “To our students, especially those in secondary schools, I am working to bring a JAMB centre closer to home. This will eliminate the need for long-distance travel and make examinations more accessible for our young people.

“Our road network remains a top priority. I have had many sleepless nights thinking about how to improve our infrastructure. By the grace of God, when we return in 2027, we will make significant strides in completing key road projects across Ekureku.”