My fellow constituents and teeming supporters,
My notice has been drawn to a 17:20 hours (local time), Saturday 24th February 2018 thread on Facebook by one Mr Francis Etang, a social media user, who alleged that I travelled recently with Rt. Hon. Essien Ekpenyong Ayi to London where I 'vowed not to challenge my master' namely Rt. Hon. Ayi during a launch time parley.
While the five lines social media thread appear vague as it's obviously not explicit what Mr Etang refers to as 'challenge my master', for the records, let it be known that I have not traveled out of Nigeria in recent times for any reason let alone travel to London. Secondly, I have not made any vow anywhere to anybody except to my constituents, Calabar South II State Constituency, to whom I pledged to give inclusive representation as modern democratic ideals demands. I have not 'vowed not to challenge' any politician even the lawmaker representing myself and other constituents of Akpabuyo, Bakassi and Calabar South Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives (HoR).
Concerning the photograph that accompanied the said misleading 24th February social media thread under review featuring myself, one Duke and Rt. Hon. Ayi, I want to state that it's not photo-shopped, it's true; however, that picture was taken about six (6) years ago where I accompanied the latter to London for medical purposes. If one were to observe the picture carefully, one will discern that we are obviously younger than today : It was not taken recently not even as recent as 2017!
Given this background, I wish to enjoin my constituents, and numerous supporters —known and unknown, across the Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency, to be law abiding, shun vices, hate speech and the like particularly in respect of any aspiration for public offices.
Let's remain committed to the enduring values of unity, love, and above all respect for elders. I see light at the end of the tunnel.
I greet you all.
Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey
Deputy Speaker of 8th Cross River State House of Assembly and Member Representing Calabar South II State Constituency at the 8th CRSHA.
Monday, 2 March 2018.
