By Asuquo Cletus
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – Clerics under the aegis of the Cross River State Indigenous Gospel Ministers (CRSIGM) Forum have declared support for the Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District, Asuquo Ekpenyong, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was announced on Thursday in Calabar during a well-attended gathering of the forum, where the group unanimously adopted the lawmaker for a second term.
In his address, the state chairman of the forum, Stephen Egege Atukanre, said the decision followed wide consultations and a critical assessment of Ekpenyong’s performance in office.
He noted that the senator had demonstrated commitment to effective representation through people-oriented programmes, legislative contributions, and constituency projects across the Southern Senatorial District.
“At a time when our people desire continuity and purposeful leadership, we are convinced that Senator Ekpenyong has shown capacity, competence, and dedication to service,” he said.
Atukanre added that the lawmaker’s interventions in scholarship schemes, empowerment initiatives, and employment facilitation had positively impacted many families in the district.
He also commended projects facilitated by the senator, including solar-powered streetlights, boreholes, road rehabilitation, and medical outreach programmes, noting that such efforts had improved living conditions in both urban and rural communities.
The cleric, called for sustained collaboration with the lawmaker, including support for evangelical outreach and the establishment of a prayer centre for the state.
He urged residents and stakeholders in the district to rally behind Ekpenyong’s re-election bid, expressing confidence that his continued representation would attract more development to the area.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the senator’s campaign organisation, Oqua Edet Oqua, described Ekpenyong as a promise keeper who had delivered on his campaign commitments.
He said the senator’s victory in the 2023 election, despite stiff opposition, was a testament to his credibility and the trust reposed in him by the electorate.
According to Oqua, Ekpenyong has facilitated foreign and local scholarships, grants for constituents, skills acquisition programmes, and infrastructural development across the seven local government areas of the district.
He further disclosed that the lawmaker had supported healthcare delivery through medical outreaches and improved mobility within communities through transport initiatives.
Oqua said the senator had expressed confidence of victory in 2027, assuring constituents of improved performance if re-elected.
The event was attended by religious leaders, political stakeholders, and supporters from across the state.
