By Ike Uchechukwu

CALABAR—Imm-ediate past Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, has declared his intention to run for the governorship of Cross River State in 2019 on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC.

Duke, who declared his intention at his hometown in Ikot Edem Odo Ward, in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of the state, yesterday, regretted that the state had lost its status as “a jewel in the crown of Nigeria” under the current administration.

He said that before now, the state was a reference point which former President Olusegun Obasanjo used to show other governors how a state should look like, but unfortunately it was no longer the case.

His words: “It is, therefore, important for us to put in place an agenda for the restoration of our paradise. We must restore this paradise. Cross River State used to be the tourism destination of Nigeria.

“That is why it is important for men and women of good will to stand together when we have seen that unless we salvage our today, there is no guarantee of a tomorrow for us.  I have pledged myself to be a steward for the people of Cross River State. And I want to assure Cross Riverians that this is a major assignment that we must achieve. If the state progresses, that progress trickles down to everyone.”