The Commissioner representing Cross River State in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke PhD, has congratulated Hon. Effiong Ekarika, for clinching the Calabar South 1 State Constituency ticket for the 2027 State House of Assembly elections on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Duke who visited his ward during the primaries on Wednesday commended the people for giving Ekarika the ticket to return to the Assembly.
He also said that a leader should not be judged by their first-term performance, but rather by their second term, when they have gained experience in the job.
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“Since I used to represent this Constituency, I decided to come and solidarise with him and also appreciate…
“I didn’t support the idea of changing anyone after the first term because you learn the ropes in the first term, second term, you consolidate,” Duke stated.
With 3,188 backers queuing up behind him, Ekarika’s triumphant display of grassroots power shows his popularity and the love the people have for him.
Speaking after his victory, the lawmaker pledged to continue championing development initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents.
He thanked supporters for their confidence in his leadership and assured them of sustained commitment to grassroots service.
According to him, the government must remain focused on the welfare and security of citizens as provided by the Constitution.
He stressed that effective leadership requires constant interaction with the people and a quick response to their needs.
“My people know that I always respond whenever they call on me,” he said.
Ekarika highlighted efforts to revive economic activities in Marina, Calabar, as part of his legislative agenda.
He disclosed that he sponsored a motion calling for collaboration between the state government, the Federal Government, and the Nigerian Ports Authority to restore marine and commercial operations in the area.
According to Ekarika, the revival of the Marina would boost economic activities and create employment opportunities for residents.
He added that the Calabar waterfront possesses the capacity to drive economic growth across the entire state if adequately developed.
