From Judex Okoro, Calabar

Cross River Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Sen Sandy Onor has promised to harness natural resources across the various in Akamkpa communities to boost economic activities.

Onor, who made the promise when he met with traditional rulers in the local government as part of his campaign tour around the state on Tuesday, regretted that the people have not enjoyed the benefit of natural resources that abound across the communities.

Onor, representing Cross River Central in the Senate, said if voted into power, the natural resources at Akamkpa will be harnessed for the greater good of the people and the state.

While noting that Akamkpa were predominantly Ejagham, owning over 60 per cent of Cross River forest, he bemoaned that illegal loggers supported by state actors, have taken over the forest.

He also promised that his government would put an end to illegal logging, adding that Akamkpa communities have contributed in no small measure to the development of the state.

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According to him, “Ejagham people are not only rich in natural resources, they are hospitable and peaceful people.

“Cross Riverians share a cultural affinity with each other. We must emphasise our commonality rather than that which divides us.

“That is why I want to run a government devoid of ethnicity. Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke administrations were not nepotic. So, we won’t start it.

“When voted into office, we will harness their natural resources to their advantage as well as to the overall development of the state.”

The head of traditional rulers in the local government, HRM Echi Emayip, said their door is opened to all politicians and prayed for the success of the PDP candidate in the poll.

He said l they are productive people, who only need the government to create the enabling environment for their businesses to thrive, adding that they would cast their vote on the candidate’s capacity to deliver and based on sentiment.