Former Secretary to Cross River State Government, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo has advised aspirants across the 18 Local Government Areas of the State to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja recently, NtufamUgbo urged the aspirants who are seeking election into chairmanship and councillorship positions, respectively, in all the Local Government Areas in the State to exercise maturity and decorum as they pursue the realization of their aspirations, adding that politics in Cross River was not a do-or-die-affair.
The former SSG now Executive Secretary of the National Planning Commission further advised the aspirants to eschew rancour and acrimony while desisting also from any act capable of undermining the democratic process in the State.
He called on politicians in State, particularly aspirants to abide by rules, regulations and guidelines established by the State Electoral body as well as adhering to decisions of their respective parties and outcome of primaries in good faith.
The NPC scribe reminded the aspirants of the peaceful disposition of the State which has become the hallmark of its tourism drive and one of its major selling points, reiterating that peace was very critical to the growth and development of Cross River and therefore should not be compromised at the altar of politics.
"Cross River is reputed in Nigeria as a State which has consistently had elected officials at the Local Government level and this a record we cherish and we will continue to ensure that democracy is further deepened in the grassroots. Having come successfully this far, we can't afford to derail or compromise on our record or standard set. It is important for all aspirants to have this in mind as they pursue their aspirations", Ugbo said.
The spirit of sportsmanship is what so many people don't have in Africa which results into all this violence that happens after football matches.