Orok Duke Hails Ekarika’s Victory in Calabar South 1 APC Primaries
Commissioner representing Cross River State on the Niger Delta Development Commission board, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, has congratulated Hon. Effiong Ekarika on winning the All Progressives Congress ticket for Calabar South 1 State Constituency ahead of the 2027 House of Assembly elections.
Duke, who attended the primaries in the ward on Wednesday, commended party members for giving Ekarika the mandate to seek a second term. He said a lawmaker’s true impact is often seen in a second term, after gaining experience in office.
“I didn’t support changing anyone after the first term because you learn the ropes in the first term. In the second term, you consolidate,” Duke said. “Since I once represented this constituency, I came to solidarise with him and appreciate the people.”
Ekarika secured the ticket with 3,188 votes, a result Duke described as evidence of strong grassroots support.
Speaking after his victory, Member representing Calabar South constituency 1, Hon Effiong Ekarika pledged to continue pushing development initiatives for residents. He thanked supporters for their confidence and said effective leadership requires constant engagement and quick responses to community needs.
“My people know that I always respond whenever they call on me,” he said.
The lawmaker also highlighted efforts to revive economic activity at Marina, Calabar. He said he had sponsored a motion urging collaboration between the state government, Federal Government, and Nigerian Ports Authority to restore marine and commercial operations in the area, noting that developing the Calabar waterfront could drive growth and create jobs across the state.
