Some youths in a section of Cross River State have protested against alleged fifth term bid of Hon. Essien Ayi in the 2019 election.
Ayi represents Calabar South/Bakassi/Akpabuyo federal constituency in the House of Representatives and has served four terms since his first election in 2003.
He is allegedly seeking a fifth term in office, as the tenure of office for National Assembly members is limitless.
However, youths from the constituency numbering hundreds reportedly stormed the State House of Assembly complex, demanding Ayi steps down after the end of his current term.
The youths were spotted with placards bearing varying inscriptions, including one describing Ayi as “our Mugabe”, in reference to former Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe, who was deposed last year after decades in charge of the Southern African nation.
According to The Punch, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, John Gaul-Lebo, while addressing the youths, commended them for conducting themselves peacefully despite their grievances.
The Punch quoted a source close to Ayi as saying that the lawmaker would seek reelection in 2019 as he understands the workings of the National Assembly on account of his experience and is an asset to the state.
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