Politics

2023 Election: Bitter Politics Won’t Aid Development- Goodluck Jonathan

Published

4 years ago

January 17, 2023

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed concern over the negative energy being generated by the political class in the build-up to the 2023 general elections across the country.

Jonathan said this while inaugurating the 1.15 km Afi-Uko Nteghe Uda Bridge on Etebi-Enwang Road, in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The former president, who was present with his wife, Patience, said politics should not be used as an avenue to commit a crime and urged security agencies not to spare offenders.

He said, “I am a bit worried by the negative energy generated ahead of the 2023 elections. We have noticed a level of bitterness in our politics that does not bring development, and I plead with politicians to realise that politics is about marketing your ideas. Politics is not about fighting, insulting, or abusing.

“We have been reading in the newspapers and on social media about how billboards of presidential candidates, and governorship candidates are pulled down by hoodlums, but sometimes they say some governments even support those kinds of things.

“I believe anybody who commits a crime should not be covered under politics. Arson is arson and is never status-bound, so somebody who commits a crime, like burning houses or killing people, must keep a record, and whatever the investigation reveals, such people should be prosecuted; that is the only way people would stop doing this.”

Jonathan, who described the bridge as one of the longest in West Africa, commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for his developmental achievements, saying his administration has good intentions for the people of the state.

Emmanuel, on his part, said he has satisfied his conscience with his achievements across the state, adding that despite criticisms and the falsehoods peddled against his government, he has tried not to be distracted.

He commended the community for supporting the construction of the project, saying the project confirms his promise to open up the riverine areas.

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Politics

UCMPOO Names LG Coordinators to Drive Grassroots Mobilization for Otu, Odey

Published

5 days ago

September 28, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

The United Cross River Movement for Prince Otu and Peter Odey (UCMPOO) has announced the appointment of coordinators across local government areas and state constituencies in Cross River State as part of efforts to strengthen its grassroots structure.

In a statement issued by the UCMPOO Secretary-General, Victor Omaga Odoh, the movement said the appointments were aimed at expanding its grassroots presence and enhancing mobilisation ahead of the 2027 re-election bid of Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, and his deputy, Hon. Peter Odey.

According to the statement, the newly appointed coordinators are expected to coordinate the movement’s activities within their respective local government areas and constituencies, while strengthening engagement with communities and residents.

The appointed coordinators include Pastor Steve Atukamre for Obanliku; Hon. Augustine Ishong for Obudu; Hon. Chris Ogaidang for Bekwarra; Hon. Ega Mgbantul for Ogoja; Mr Mike Okwori for Yala I; and Hon. Godwin Igelle for Yala II.

Others are Elemi Eka for Abi; Hon. Charley Ikpi for Yakurr I; Butum Ubi Ofum for Yakurr II; Barr. Monday Akpere for Obubra I; Victor Okim Enang for Obubra II; Eric Ndifon for Etung I; Pastor Erune Erune for Etung II; Ogbuoba Margaret Okim for Ikom I; and Egbede Joshua for Ikom II.

The list further includes Hon. Harris Esor for Boki I; Mr James Dibang for Boki II; Hon. Mbora Mbora for Calabar Municipality; Comrade Inyang Udowong for Odukpani; Asuquo Adim for Bakassi; Michael Edem Bassey for Akpabuyo; Stephen Okon Effiong for Akamkpa I; Austine Ekuri for Akamkpa II; Chief Isaka Ekpenyong for Biase; Mike Archibong for Calabar South I; and Charles Etim for Calabar South II.

UCMPOO congratulated the newly appointed coordinators and urged them to discharge their responsibilities with dedication, commitment and a strong sense of service.

The movement said the appointments formed part of its broader efforts to establish an effective local government structure, deepen community engagement and coordinate grassroots activities across Cross River State.

It also called on the coordinators to work closely with stakeholders and communities within their respective areas to strengthen the movement’s organisational structure and outreach ahead of the 2027 political season.

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