CRS Council NUJ Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey (2nd from right), ADC 1st Vice Chairman Central and Director Policy and Strategy, Dr. McFallan Eja (3rd from right) and others at the briefing on Tuesday.
By Ita Williams, Calabar
In a forceful rebuke of internal dissent, the Cross River State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has denounced what it labels a “morally demonic” attempt to hijack the party, declaring itself a single, indivisible entity under Dr. John Ogar.
The party’s 1st Vice Chairman, Central and Director of Policy and Strategy, Dr. McFallan Eja, addressed journalists at the Ernest Etim Press Centre in Calabar on Tuesday.
He expressed profound gratitude to loyal members, stating, “I would like to express my gratitude to the members of the ADC in Cross River State, who have remained steadfast and committed to the growth and development of our party.”
He emphasized that their dedication to democratic principles and people-centric development is “highly appreciated.”
The press conference was called specifically to address what the leadership termed an “affront.” Dr. Eja revealed that the core issue was a “planned inauguration of the MMR Committee of the 18 LGAs by a group unknown to the state leadership.”
He was unequivocal, stating, “The composition is alien to us. The state leadership of ADC Cross River State was not involved in submitting the published names.”
Dr. Eja condemned the actions of those behind the planned meeting in strong terms.
“We condemn in strong terms the actions of individuals who are not members of our party but are attempting to hold meetings in our name,” he said, describing the act as “morally demonic and democratically unacceptable.”
He suggested the move was an attempt to hijack the party for personal interests.
The party traced the current discord to its earlier coalition-building efforts. A Fusion and Engagement Committee was established to welcome new groups.
“Incidentally, I served as the chairman,” noted Dr. Eja revealing that while most groups integrated harmoniously, one bloc, “largely composed of dissatisfied members from the PDP,” had refused to work with the recognized leadership.
To prevent a potential crisis, the ADC leadership took proactive steps. “We had to approach the various law enforcement agencies,” Dr. Eja explained, informing them that the unsanctioned meeting “has a tendency to breach law and order.”
The police intervened, inviting the conveners. According to Dr. Eja, the convener, when confronted, “with impunity and without shame, said that they had spent resources and cannot call off the meeting.”
Dr. Eja reaffirmed the party’s commitment to peace and constitutional order. “ADC abhors violence,” he stated, but added, “We won’t sit back and fold our arms.”
He positioned the party as a vigilant opposition, ready to defend its integrity from those he accused of having “dragged Cross River State down,” warning them to stop “coming behind the window” to create problems.
