…Reaffirm Support for Governor Otu
Expelled Cross River State APC Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Eba.
By Anietie Akpan
The unrelenting troubles are coming the way of the expelled Cross River State Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Barr. Alphonsus Eba as his people from North Senatorial District have rejected him saying, he acted “solely on his own”.
Leaders and members of the Cross River State Elders Advisory Council from the Northern Senatorial District publicly rebuked the former APC State Chairman, for what they termed an “irresponsible media outburst” regarding internal party matters.
The elders, operating under the Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSECF), also reaffirmed their unwavering support for the State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu.
This position is contained in a terse statement today, December 23 endorsed by seven prominent elders of the district: Prof. John Shiyam (Vice Chairman, North, CRSECF), Dr. Julius Okputu (Secretary, CRSECF), Chief Dr. Tony Undiandeye (Member Elders Advisory Council of CRSECF), Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo (Member Elders Advisory Council of CRSECF), Chief Signor Omang Idiege (Member Elders Advisory Council of CRSECF), Chief Dr. Peter Ojie (Member Elders Advisory Council of CRSECF), and Hon. Chief Boniface Okache (Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor).
The elders of CRSECF addressed Eba’s recent public comments, stating they were made without consultation and have “embarrassed and ridiculed” the leadership of the senatorial district, the APC, the state, and well-meaning Nigerians.
“The Council dissociates itself from his irresponsible comments regarding an internal APC matter that could have been resolved privately”.
They said, “Eba did not consult with the Council, acting solely on his own, and his behavior should not be interpreted as representative of the political leadership of the Northern Senatorial District.”
The elders emphasized that public office holders should act as stewards of public trust, consulting with constituents and engaging democratically in all decisions.
They stressed that Eba’s actions do not reflect the character of the Northern Senatorial District, which they described as “unique, hardworking, trustworthy, respectful, and peace-loving.”
The CRSECF also appealed to Governor Otu and other party leaders at the state and national levels not to judge the district’s leadership capabilities based on Eba’s conduct as they passionately requested that the position of State Chairman of the APC be retained within the Northern Senatorial District, asserting that there are “credible, sincere, and respectful individuals” capable of leading.
“We passionately request that the position of State Chairman of the APC be retained in the Northern Senatorial District,” the statement continued.
The Council concluded by reiterating its “total commitment and loyalty” to Governor Otu’s administration and pledged to protect and uphold its progressive intentions.
Recall, Eba was recently impeached by Chapter Chairmen and others from the party alleging financial irregularities which he denied and went on air to chastise the governor saying, he paved the way for him (the governor) to emerge in 2023. He also took a swipe at the party and subsequently dragged it to court seeking a redress.
