Julius Okputu, John Onor… the Ukelle big names gunning for Ogoja/Yala reps seat

By James Lukpata

As the yet to be declared House of Representatives seat for Ogoja/Yala bye-election continue to gain momentum, it’s no longer news that some popular politicians, top  business personalities among others from Ukelle, arguably the most marginalised state constituency in Nigeria, have indicated interest to contest.

First in the List of aspirants for the green chamber race is Dr Julius Okputu.

Okputu is a one-time chairman, state Civil service Commission, two-time commissioner and a close ally of one of the best Governors of Cross River State, Donald Duke.

He is famous with sterling political record haven been in the services of Cross River State Government at various capacities. However, the present political situation in the state might be tough for him because of his defection alongside Governor Ben Ayade to the All Progressives Congress (APC) months ago.

With little credit to him as a facilitator of Okoolo bridge and the grading of the dusty North Ukelle road including the installation of electricity in some communities, Okputu may still stand the chance to support of eligible voters that might help him to clinch the reps seat.

Hon Mike Ede Usibe

He was the immediate past chairman of Yala Local government Council and Commissioner for New Cities Development. Usibe is a graduate of  economist from the prestigious University of Calabar (UNICAL).

He is currently a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caretaker committee in Cross River State.

MD Galkuna Hotels Ogoja

The political tempo seems to be in his favour as he remains the only person from Ukelle in PDP that has indicated interest to contest the Ogoja/Yala Reps seat.

Again, his belief in the biggest Nigerian opposition party, PDP, may add more credit to his struggle that could eventually gave him success having stayed back to nuture and maintain the party at the time the PDP suffered the highest defection of chieftains and stalwarts to the ruling APC.

Hon John Ulafor Onor

A close ally of Ayade, Onor was a former member of the Cross River State House of Assembly where he represented the good people of Ukelle who made up the Yala II State constituency.

He was the immediate past commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and currently serving as the commissioner for Economic Grants and Empowerment.

Onor became very pupolar across Ukelle his constituency because of his dictum “Ukelle Must Be Heard”.

However, things are no longer the same as constituents have become much more politically conscious with demands for accountability and effective representation.

With his political clout and popularity, Onor’s chances of representing Ogoja/Yala federal constituency seems slim as constituents consider him to be among those they see as being self-centred and lacking interest to truly serve UkelleNation and defend her course.

Chief Henry Onwe

The entrepreneur and philanthropist is a new breed in the struggle that also indicated interest to represent the good people of Ukelle, the Yala II State Constituency in the free chamber.

The  former PDP chieftain, who is now in APC, will be facing Dr Julius Okputu and Hon John Onor to contest for APC reps ticket in Ukelle the Yalla II State constituency asides the other contenders from Yala 1 and Ogoja.

According to some reports, the entrepreneur was lured into the race by some group of constituents who believe in his kind gestures and Ukelle interest among other attributes.

As usual, his chances also remains undecided until after the primaries that would produced the party flag bearer who will finally face PDP candidate for the race.