The Cross River State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party on Monday held a peaceful ward delegates congress in the Central Senatorial District of the state.
The materials for the congress arrived at Ikom Police Station at about 12noon and by 2pm, voting began in the two wards, Ikom Urban wards 1 and 2.
One of the officials, Chris Njah, described the exercise as a huge success, saying that the turnout was very impressive.
Njah said: “I lack words to express how the people of Ikom feel over who their next senator should be.
“They have come out today in large numbers to cast their votes for their delegates.”
Njah commended security operatives and party faithful for the orderly conduct of the exercise.
Augustine Ekuri from Ajaso ward in Etung Local Government Area said the congress election in the ward was peaceful and orderly.
Ekuri said that the exercise was conducted in the presence of security agents and the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He said: “It was free and fair.
“The security agencies were there, including the civil defence corps, State Security Services and the police.
“INEC officials were also there to observe the event.”
Ekuri said the people were ready for the exercise, adding that they turned out in large numbers to exercise their rights as party faithful.
In his reaction, Rep. Bassey Ewah, representing Yakurr/Abi Federal Constituency, described the congress as very orderly and peaceful in the area.
Ewah said the exercise demonstrated the people’s willingness to choose their delegates.
The Divisional Police Officer in Ikom, Odey Ujim, said that the police lived up to their responsibility by protecting and delivering the materials to their various wards.
The Cross River Central Senatorial District comprises six local governments of Yakurr, Boki, Obubra, Etung, Abi and Ikom.
It would be recalled that the National Working Committee of the PDP cancelled the November 1 congress in the state and ordered a re-run.