Political Turmoil in Cross River: APC Members Demand Leadership Change
The Battle for Control in APC’s Cross River Chapter
The political scene in Cross River State, Nigeria, is heating up as a deep crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) unfolds. Protesters have taken to the streets, targeting the party’s secretariat and calling for the resignation of their state chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba.
But here’s the twist: Eba is not backing down. He has dismissed the allegations, creating a standoff that has the potential to divide the party further.
A Protest with a Message
The demonstration, which took place along the Murtala Mohammed Highway in Calabar, saw party members carrying placards with powerful messages. Slogans like ‘Okadigbo must go’ and ‘We say no to misappropriation of party funds’ echoed through the streets, capturing the essence of their demands.
The protesters accused Eba of a series of wrongdoings, including failing to pay stipends to chapter and ward officials, coercing local government officials, and mismanaging party funds. They believe the party needs a leader who will prioritize its members, not a ruler who rules with an iron fist.
Inequity at the Heart of the Matter
The controversy deepens as the aggrieved officials, led by Chief Engr. Kelvin Njong, claim that Eba has unfairly distributed statutory funds. They argue that while the State Executive Committee received a substantial sum, local government and ward officials were left with a fraction of that amount.
And this is where it gets controversial: Eba counters these claims, suggesting that the officials are simply dissatisfied because he put a stop to their attempts to earn more than their state executive counterparts. He questions the hierarchy and raises concerns about the complainants’ financial transparency.
A Call for Transparency and Fairness
The protesters’ demands for Eba’s resignation are backed by a communiqué issued by chapter chairmen and secretaries, who have also voiced their concerns. This internal conflict raises essential questions about leadership, transparency, and the fair distribution of resources within political parties.
As the APC in Cross River State grapples with this crisis, one can’t help but wonder: Is this a mere power struggle, or a genuine call for change? What does this mean for the party’s future, and will it resonate with voters? Share your thoughts below, and let’s explore the complexities of this political drama.