Prince Godswill Edward, special adviser on sports and cinematography to Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River, has indicated interest to participating in the 2023 gubernatorial elections in the framework of the Congress of All Progressives, APC.
Edward, who spoke in an interview on Thursday in Calabar, said his desire to be at the pageant is to consolidate the gains from tourism, rural transformation and industrialization in the state.
Edward, son-in-law of former President Goodluck Jonathan, said it is time for a generational shift in the state where young people must prepare and take leadership positions and demonstrate their ability to govern.
He noted that former state governors Donald Duke and Senator Liyel Imoke raised the state through tourism and rural transformation, while Governor Ben Ayade hatched the agenda to industrialize the state.
“It is on that basis that I am running for governor, to consolidate the benefits of tourism, rural transformation and industrialization.
“My agenda is to consolidate; Let’s achieve what our leaders have done and built over time for the good and growth of the state.
“Let’s consolidate in People, Policies and Infrastructure with a view to making Cross River work.
“We need to analyze all of these and build the confidence of our investors to grow the state,” he said.
On the issue of rotational zoning of power in the state, Edward said that he does not believe in zoning, therefore the field should be open for all applicants to show their competence and ability by convincing people of what they have for offer them.
It is wrong, he said, to build an ethnic divide in the state, adding that Cross River needs a governor for everyone, not a regional or zonal governor.
“We need to form leaders who are statesmen to lead the state and leaders who are nationalists to unite Nigeria.
“Power should not be restricted to any one region for now. I am a crossriverian and I am running for the governorship of the state, not for a particular section, “he said.
He promised to revive the state’s tourism sector by ensuring that Cross River receives the highest level of tourism flow.
Edward said that if elected governor, he will promote rural transformation and also bring state industries to work at optimal capacity to consolidate Governor Ayade’s accomplishments.
The Special Counsel, who promised to work in consultation with most people across the state, also ensured that the policies will be implemented for the good of state residents.
