Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba SAN, on Tuesday led a delegation of eminent Cross Riverians to meet with the President Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari.

The meeting which held at the Abuja home of the President Elect had thirteen eminent Cross Riverians in the entourage. They apologized to the President Elect for the embarrassment he faced during his campaign tour to the state.

Senator Ndoma-Egba said the visit was a non partisan trip and “On behalf of myself and members of this non-partisan delegation made up of eminent Cross Riverians who I have just individually introduced to you, thank you for making out time from your very busy schedule to grant us audience.

“We use this opportunity to congratulate you on your victory at the 28th March, 2015 presidential polls and to thank God that in spite of the doomsday predictions, we had very peaceful elections which have not just further deepened our democracy but also strengthened our unity and re-affirmed our faith in Nigeria.

“Let me right away apologize to you for all well-meaning Cross Riverians on the acts of disrespect shown to you during your electioneering campaign in our State. We are by nature respectful and famous for our hospitality. We plead Sir, that you do not judge us by the actions of overzealous and exuberant individuals.

“We are here to pledge our loyalty and support as you assume the mantle of leadership in these difficult times and circumstances. We will work with you to deliver on your promise of change and fight against corruption and insecurity which have become challenges to our collective future.

“Cross River State has been a major political ally of the North. It is this alliance that produced great Cross Riverians like Dr. Okoi Arikpo, Dr. Joseph Wayas, Chief Tony Ani, Dr. Emmanuel Nsan, Chief I.I Murphy among others. We need to strengthen and nurture this mutually beneficial relationship.

“Cross River State is today a very vulnerable State, certainly one of the most vulnerable in the country today. We lost Bakassi; our oil wells, we lost visibility in national politics and we are today one of the most highly indebted States, with very poor federal infrastructure; the Katsina-Ala-Ogoja-Ikom-Calabar, Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene, Ikom-Obudu-Cattle Ranch Roads are among the most deplorable in the country . As you assume office your Excellency, remember Cross River State.”

In his response, General Buhari said that Cross River State is very dear to his heart adding that he was in Ogoja, Ikom during the Nigerian Civil War about 45 years ago as a young Army Officer.

He said he remembered Chief I.I Murphy and late Chief Micheal Ani and spoke very fondly of them while promising to address the problems of Cross River State particularly the oil wells and infrastructural problem.

He said his brief about Bakassi is very limited but he will look into any attendant problems arising from it when he assumes office. He promised to be a father to all despite political differences.

Members of the delegation included: Senator Victor Ndoma Egba SAN, Dr. Mathias Offoboche, Former Deputy Governor, Old Cross River State, Etubom Anthony Ani, former Minister of Finance, Dr. Emmanuel Nsan, Former Minister of Works and Health, Chief Wilfred Oden Inah, Former Head of Service/Secretary to Government of old Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, Mrs Nelly Andem Ewa Rabana-Lawal (SAN), Ambassador Sonny Abang, Barrister Mary Ekpere Ettah, Mr. Mark Ukpo, Ambassador Thomas Ekpang, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, APC Chieftain, Barrister Utum Eteng, and Chief Sam Bassey.

–From Cross River Watch