The Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, has declared that the political leadership and people of Etung Local Government Area remain united in their support for Governor Bassey Otu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissing suggestions that recent political developments have created divisions in the area.
Speaking during a chat with journalists, on Friday, Dr. Ayuk said the emergence of Prof. Sandy Onor, an indigene of Etung, as a presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has neither altered the political orientation of the people nor diminished their support for Governor Otu and the APC.
He maintained that the political philosophy of the Ejagham people, particularly those of Etung, has remained consistent since Nigeria’s independence.
“The historical and traditional perspectives of political participation among the Etung and indeed the Ejagham people of Cross River State have always remained the same since 1960,” he said.
Dr. Ayuk stated that the Ejagham people have always aligned with the political mainstream and would not abandon that tradition. He expressed confidence that Etung would deliver overwhelming support for all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections, describing Governor Otu as the driving force behind the party’s growing popularity in the area.
According to him, the Governor has demonstrated exceptional goodwill towards the people of Etung through strategic appointments, including the emergence of an indigene as a Federal Minister, another as Secretary to the State Government, and his own appointment as Commissioner for Health, a development he described as unprecedented in the history of the local government.
Highlighting the administration’s achievements, Dr. Ayuk noted that seven out of the 10 primary healthcare facilities in Etung have been revitalised, positioning the local government among the highest-performing areas in primary healthcare delivery in Cross River State.
He further stated that the Otu administration has provided more employment opportunities for Etung indigenes in the state civil service than previous administrations and remains committed to completing the General Hospital, Effraya, as part of efforts to improve healthcare access in the area.
“The Governor has demonstrated genuine commitment to the development of Etung and its people. We will reciprocate that goodwill by ensuring victory for him and all APC candidates in the 2027 elections,” the Commissioner said.
By Kingsley Agim
