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Hon. Essien Ayi
By Akpan David, Calabar
In many parts of Calabar, capital of Cross River State as well as adjoining towns in other component local government areas that make up the Akpabuyo-Bakassi-Calabar South Federal Constituency, there were shouts of joy and jubilant mood by people, especially the youths, over the victory of Right Honourable Essien Ayi who emerged candidate of the PDP in next year’s National Assembly election.
The victory would mark the sixth time that the indefatigable federal law maker would win nomination as candidate of PDP for th same constituency since 1999.
He has this become the longest serving federal law maker in the state and perhaps in the entire country.
This has therefore conferred on him the accolade of being the most experienced law maker in the House of Representatives as of today.
He has been seen as the most dependable, articulate and father figure in the green chamber where newly inducted legislators do often go to consult him for advise.
But that’s not the point of discourse yet. The focus of this brief piece is how the length and breadth of the ancient city of Calabar was awash with celebration following the defeat Ayi, better known as Isantim by supporters, admirers and other stakeholders, unleashed on the other four contenders.
One of the men whose community in Akpabuyo LGA has benefitted from the generosity of the federal law maker, Ene Etim said that on confirmation of their expectation that their benefactor has won the PDP primaries, many drinking joints sold off their drinks and foods to jubilant constituents.
“We celebrated all night in parts of Akpabuyo LGA as a result of the victory of our leader and father. We came out in vey large numbers to celebrate him because he has been very good with us.
“Many of us who had social functions, like burials of loved ones, marriage and birthday celebrations, once you invite him he will come and would donate heavily, or even take over the sponsorships of such events.”
In Calabar South LGA, such Celebration was also witnessed where people drank well into the early hours of next day, Monday.
Another supporter, Victor Eteng said, “Apostle Essien Ayi is a very big asset to the state. We should be proud that we have an experienced law maker like him from our state. He has been consistent for over 20 yeas. He has been committed to law making.”
Addressing his constituents and supporters after he was declared winner and candidate of PDP, the federal lawmaker said that it would be difficult for him to lose election in the federal constituency even in the foreseeable future.
Ayi, in his mid 60s, said his popularity in the constituency is as a result of being able to reach out to his constituents consistently and regularity irrespective of party lines and distance.
He won the PDP Primaries with a wide margin of 57 votes. The three other contenders, including Mrs. Imana Duke scored 23 votes, Mr.Dominic Aqua, a former deputy speaker in the state House of Assembly, got 16 votes and Mr.Steven Ekpe got only three votes.
Announcing the result at about 9.30pm on Sunday , the Returning officer, Mr. Asuquo Ekpo said 99 delegates voted in the primaries.
“By this tabulation, we declare that Hon. Essien Ayi is the winner of the Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South federal constituency primaries.”
Commending the outcome of the election, Ayi, fondly called Isatin by admirers and supporters, said he expects to equally win the actual election next year
“I have the capacity to win the election for my own party, as a candidate. I cut across all other parties because I always reach out to people irrespective of whether you are. As far as you are in my constituency, I even reach out to people outside my constituency. I take delight in helping people because I treasure God’s blessings on me.”
“I witnessed a very transparent.. I have not seen anybody protesting,
He commended the processes that led to his victory as candidate of PDP., saying “it was very transparent and there was no foul play at all.
“As expected,I knew I was going to win because I know that the people are with me. I won squarely and I am thankful to God.”
Ayi assured that he will reciprocate their love for him with good and robust representation like always when he returns to the green chambers come 2023.
He used the opportunity to debunk the speculation that he reneged on a Gentleman Agreement not to seek a return to the green chambers.
“The people of my constituency are those that insisted I have to come back because they have seen the quality representation God used me to impact. The agreement i have is with my people. I can never renege on it.”
