Calabar Municipal LGA, Cross River State – With the forthcoming local government elections slated for November 2nd, Bassey Okon, contesting on a joint ticket as the Vice Chairmanship candidate to the Chairman, Shedrach Ikpeme of the Labour Party for Calabar Municipal spoke with our reporter and pledged to bring his decade-long commitment to service to the political forefront. Despite his longstanding dedication, Okon has never actively pursued a political role until now, driven by the belief that he can create a more significant impact from within the system.
In an exclusive interview, Okon shared his thoughts on his unexpected venture into politics. “I’ve never been an active politician and never desired any position. However, I believe I will impact more on people from inside than outside,” he said. This shift marks a new chapter for the community advocate, who has spent over ten years dedicated to service without seeking the limelight of political office.
Addressing concerns about contesting under the Labour Party banner, Okon expressed confidence in the party’s prospects despite perceived irregularities in past local government elections across various states. “Many have asked why the Labour Party, given the anomalies observed in other local government elections. You know why I am not worried? The truth is, the Governor, His Excellency Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, is of the Labour Party’s stock. He understands the party’s weight and knows that the Labour Party is the people’s choice. If he acts contrary, he would not just disappoint the people but also himself,” Okon asserted.
He highlighted that, while the APC may have produced candidates who are the party’s choice, the Labour Party stands out as the true representative of the people’s will. “We are confident of riding to success with the people since we are out to bring governance to the people. This is a movement because we represent the family, and all the ideology of the family centres around the people,” Okon stated passionately.
Reflecting on the Labour Party’s campaign momentum, Okon emphasised that extensive consultations had placed them on the brink of taking over the council’s leadership. “With the consultation we have carried out, we are at the verge of taking over the affairs of the council to run a people-oriented government. The governor has insisted that he needs grassroots persons to manage the affairs of the LGAs. Does he need further introduction? Certainly not.”
As Okon prepares to step into the political arena, he is eager to apply his expertise in collaboration with his Chairman, Mr. Shedrach Ikpeme. “My plans align with my Chairman, Mr. Shedrach Ikpeme. It’s the reason we flow together,” he explained, underscoring a shared vision of bringing governance closer to the people, building bridges, and fostering community development.
With a focus on service, accountability, and grassroots engagement, Bassey Okon’s campaign embodies a new wave of political leadership aimed at unifying Calabar Municipal and delivering meaningful governance.
