The crisis plaguing Labour Party (LP) in Cross River State has been put to bed as the party has inaugurated a new interim executive (caretaker committee).
In a letter signed by Alhaji Abdulwahed Omar and Engr. Nnawuihe A. Nwauwa, Acting National Chairman and Secretary of Labour Party, on 29th August 2024, the new Cross River State interim leadership is to pilot the affairs of the party in the state for the next three months.
The letter was directed to the Chairman of the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) and copied the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Director of DSS, Vigilante in Cross River State and the Head of NSCDC in Cross River State.
“We write to introduce the newly constituted interim leadership of the Labour Party for Cross River State. The new interim leadership has been mandated to oversee the management of the Labour Party. The mandate is for a period of three (3) months effective immediately,” the letter read in part.
Full List of Newly Inaugurated Cross River State Labour Party Interim Leadership
1. Dr (Comr.) John O. Ushie – Chairman
2. Hon. Eugene Bessong – Secretary
3. Sir (Comr.) Godwin U. Amoikwen – Member
4. Comr. Bassey E. Okon – Member
5. Amb. Comr. Gregory Olayi – Member
6. Sir Monday Ogbodum – Member
7. Hon. Prince Mbang Oyira – Member
8. Hon. Odey Otunu – Member
9. Hon. Sunday Ekpo – Member
10. Hon. Prosper Emmanuel Etim – Member
11. Comr. Cletus Amawu – Member
12. Dr Gabriel B. Akpeke – Member
13. Dr Denis Ogar – Member
14. Divine Charle Eke – Member
15. Thomas Ochada – Member
16. Surv. Nkoyo Otu – Member
17. Prince Festus Offiong — Member
18. Kammonke Akpama – Member
In his address, the interim chairman, Dr Ushie, said: “This interface is simply to introduce the new leadership of Labour Party in Cross River State under my stewardship to foster new horizons and provide the needed alternative for social democracy, equity, justice and tranquillity. Hope isn’t lost; together, we can begin to win elections without selling out the mandate of the people who have entrusted their destinies in our hands.
“There’s a need of urgency to reposition Labour Party at all levels. Hence the system as it were, was plague with inefficiency, naivety, parochial religion denominational sentiments and fear to dare innovations.
“It’s time for a new approach, one that prioritises the needs of the many over the interests of the few.
“The new leadership will be committed to the principles of democracy, social justice, equity and progress in strengthening our party ethics to addressing inequality, protection of human rights and gender equality to foster unity, Strengthen our diversity, celebrate our collective achievements by promoting inclusivity in the party and bridge the gaps that have divided us.
“Our vision is built on the understanding that political parties should serve the people, not special interests and greed.
“We will work to create a more transparent, accountable, responsive and responsible executive at all levels, and to achieve this vision; we need the support of all stakeholders and party faithful.
“On this note, let’s unite and work together to build a better party for ourselves and bequeath to generations yet unborn a legacy that democracy is the hope of an egalitarian society.
“Let it be on record that we are not out for vendetta, nay holding others to their sins of either omission or commission in the course of their service, but where it’s evidence that some people are bent on pulling down the roof of the party for selfish reasons, and greed, then democracy will seek vengeance.”
On the issue of Ogar Osim’s era, Dr Ushie said: “Ogar Osim was a product of the Abure’s accidental leadership that have since expired in June 2024, and the recent non-recognition of his exco by INEC is testimony that their history of inglorious past marking the darkest period of Labour Party.”
Ushie added that “Ogar Osim had never been elected at any time in any convention or congress as State Chairman. His ascension is shredded in mystery!
“Let him desist from his antics and give peace a chance and be weary of the pits he’s digging, for the evil that men do now lives with them and not after.”
For the upcoming Local Government elections in the state, Ushie said: “Let me, therefore, use this medium to call on stakeholders to avail themselves of the opportunity as it concerns the upcoming local government election to sponsor viable candidates to participate for Chairmanship and Councillorship because Labour Party will participate to win, as the last election was an eye opener.”
“Finally, the Labour Party in Cross River State needs an Executive with capacity, political will to do the needful in honesty of intentions, sincerity of purpose, accommodating, knowledgeable in political administration by taking advantage of the goodwill of Cross Riverians as demonstrated in the last Presidential Election of 2023 to reverse the dwindling trend as we noticed in the Ogar Osim’s era of impunity.
“I promise my utmost commitment to be very open and innovative to provide the needed leadership,” Dr Ushie maintained.
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