The Cross River state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barr Alphonsus Eba, has survived plots to remove him from office, orchestrated by a group which addressed itself as ‘APC Stakeholders Forum,’ headed by two chieftains of the party, Chief Mark Ayo and Mathias Ake.
Recall that the group, which quoted Article 3(5); Article 12(10), Article 12(12) and 21(1) (2) of the APC constitution to support its position, had, in a letter addressed to the National Chairman of the party, said one Mr James Okpamu had been appointed as acting State Chairman.
According to them, Barr Eba was suspended for not only being dictatorial but for “abysmal outing in the general elections and the just concluded bye-elections in his senatorial district and local government area,” as well as his alleged failure to constitute ward and local government caucuses.
But, rising from a well-attended meeting in Calabar, weekend, the State Executive Council of the party said the APC constitution does not recognize any organ of the party known as ‘APC Stakeholders Forum,’ and therefore passed a vote of confidence on the State Chairman.
Speaking while moving a vote of confidence on Eba, the State Assistant Treasurer of the party, Egong Mathew, said “all the allegations against our chairman have not been substantiated and are therefore false.
“As a party, we remained united and formidable. I hereby move a vote of confidence on our State Chairman that he has led the party well since he took over and so must continue in office till his constitutional tenure expires.
Also, Okara Ekawu, the State Welfare Office, who seconded the motion, said the Exco was ready to stand with Eba in all circumstances.
Speaking shortly after, Barr Eba said he had done nothing wrong that would have generated outburst from the said aggrieved members, but warned that the party would not accept misconduct and the seed of discord which some people were bent on sowing.
I am here to render selfless service to our people. When we came on board on the 16th day of October 2021, this party called APC was fragmented but to God be the glory, we were able to unite every member of the party, transforming the party to become the giant that it is today.
“We will refer to the disciplinary committee of our party those who are seeking attention through the bogus allegations. Everyone knows the consequence of impersonation as spelt out in our constitution. Article 21(ii) is very clear on that. The APC is united under the leadership of Senator Prince Bassey Otu,” he stated.
