The Lumine News

Category: Politics

  • In The Present Circumstance, No serious Politician With Electoral Ambition Will Seek To Contest On To The Platform Of The PDP – Bukola Saraki

    In The Present Circumstance, No serious Politician With Electoral Ambition Will Seek To Contest On To The Platform Of The PDP – Bukola Saraki

    Former Governor of Kwara State, former Nigerian Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has stated that with the current crisis going on in the party, no serious politician with electoral ambition will seek to contest on the platform of the PDP.

    Saraki made the disclosure on November 12th 2025, when members of the Board of Trustees led by Amb. Hassan Adamu, paid him a courtesy visit to seek his counsel on the way forward for the PDP.

    Sarika took to his veried Facebook page, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, to report the outcome of the meeting, noted that going with the convention in Ibadan on 15 – 16 November 2025 will only serve to further fuel the crisis. He stated that going ahead with the convention is a waste of efforts, and that it does not have his support.

    Find full text “On 12 November 2025, I had the pleasure to receive members of the BOT Reconciliation Team of our great party, the PDP, led by Wakili Adamawa, Amb. Hassan Adamu. They requested for a meeting in order to seek my opinion on the possible ways of restoring peace within the party. It was a meaningful and incisive meeting during which matters of great importance affecting our party were discussed.

    “We deliberated extensively on issues relating to the National Convention scheduled for 15-16 November 2025 in Ibadan.

    “In summary, I expressed deep regret that, despite the selfless and arduous efforts by some of us, the Convention has become mired in extensive controversy, both political and legal. This does not bode well for not only our party, but for Nigeria’s democracy in general.

    “I made it clear to the BOT team that political matters can hardly be resolved through the courts. Affairs of political parties are best resolved amicably with all sides seated round the table. Legal battles will only continue to cause friction.

    “As it stands, the fact is that there are conflicting court orders in relation to the validity of the scheduled convention. As a result, there is no assurance as to whether the conduct and outcome of the convention will stand.

    “As a leader, on whose shoulder lies the political weight of the yearnings and aspiration of my people, I cannot in all good conscience take or be part of any action that will jeopardise their aspirations

    “My advice to the BOT team is that the only solution available to us now is for the party to set up a Caretaker Committee to steer the affairs of the party for the time being. This must be done in the next two days. This is the path to true reconciliation and stability of the Party. It is also the best way to give confidence to our members who intend to contest elections on the PDP platform. In the present circumstance, no serious politician with electoral ambition will seek to contest on the platform of the PDP, not knowing whether his or her nomination will be valid or declared null and void.

    “It is clear that going ahead with the National Convention in Ibadan on 15-16 November 2025 will only serve to further fuel the present crisis. Therefore, going ahead with the Convention as scheduled is a waste of efforts, It does not have my support. It’s not too late to find a win-win solution”.

  • C’River APC Chairman Fires Back, Alleges ₦60m Fraud By Chapter Leaders

    C’River APC Chairman Fires Back, Alleges ₦60m Fraud By Chapter Leaders

    By Asuquo Cletus 

    The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, has dismissed calls for his resignation by a group of chapter chairmen and secretaries, describing them as individuals “running away from their shadows.”

    Eba, who spoke in reaction to a communiqué issued by the Forum of APC Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries calling for his removal over alleged high-handedness and diversion of party funds, accused the aggrieved officials of embezzling over ₦60 million belonging to the party.

    The forum, led by Kelvin Njong, Chairman of the APC in Boki Local Government Area, had on November 7 issued a communiqué in Calabar alleging that the state chairman withheld stipends meant for party officials at the chapter and ward levels for three months, diverted party funds, and ran the party “as a private estate.”

    But reacting to the claims, Eba described the allegations as “baseless and mischievous,” saying the affected chapter chairmen were being investigated for financial misconduct.

    “They embezzled monies meant for ward executives and some chapter executives running over ₦60 million. They must come and give account for that,” he said.

    The state chairman explained that the party has since adopted a direct payment system, where stipends are paid straight into the bank accounts of all 5,778 party executives across the state to ensure transparency and eliminate mismanagement.

    “We now pay all party executives directly into their accounts, and we have paid all of them up to date. But the 17 chapter chairmen’s salaries are being held until they clear themselves of the fraud alleged against them,” Eba stated.

    He further alleged that some chapter chairmen collect over ₦4 million monthly as dues from local government appointees and another ₦3.6 million from other sources but fail to remit or share the funds equitably among other officials at the ward and chapter levels.

    “They squander these funds, creating a disproportionate salary structure far higher than what members of the state executive committee earn. This is against the spirit of our administration and our commitment to transparency and accountability,” he added.

    Eba maintained that no chapter chairman or group of party officials has the constitutional power to demand the resignation of a state chairman or member of the state executive committee, stressing that the reverse is the case.

    “No chapter chairman has the power to call for the resignation of the state chairman or any member of the state executive. On the contrary, the state executive committee has full powers to discipline and sanction them, and this will be done immediately,” he declared.

    The crisis comes amid growing tension within the party over internal financial management and control of the state structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Eba reaffirmed his loyalty to the party leader and governor of the state, Bassey Otu, pledging to continue strengthening the APC at all levels for victory in the next election.

     

  • Just In: 35 APC Chairmen, Secretaries Demands Resignation of State Chairman, Eba, Over Alleged Financial Misappropriation

    Just In: 35 APC Chairmen, Secretaries Demands Resignation of State Chairman, Eba, Over Alleged Financial Misappropriation

    Culled From TheBeaglenewsonline.com

     Judex Okoro – Calabar 

    Smouldering crisis is brewing in Cross River All Progressives Congress (APC) as 35 chapter chairmen and secretaries have called for the immediate resignation of the state party chairman, Bar. Alphonsus Eba, over alleged financial impropriety.

    The notice for the demand is contained in a statement signed by 35 of the Chairmen and Secretaries at the end of their meeting in Calabar on Tuesday.

    The meeting, convened under the banner of “Forum of APC Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries,” alleged that Eba’s anti-progressive actions in piloting the party’s affairs in Cross River is destabilizing and destructive

    The forum chairman, Chief Kelvin Njong, who read the communique, based their demand for Eba resignation on “high handedness, insolent, underrating, and transactional approach in party administration, accusing the chairman of instigating chapter and ward party officials against the chapter leadership.

    “This action generated hatred, contempt, ridicule and disrepute on the Party leadership at the respective Local Government Chapters of our Party, contrary to section 21:2(i1 & v) of the APC Constitution as amended 26″ March, 2022,” it stated.

    Similarly, they further accused him of refusal to remit the percentage meant for the local local government areas and wards from the sales of forms during the 2023 general elections.

    According to the communique, “While the local government areas and wards comprising of 5,778 Party officials were given N9.2 million, the state executive with just 36 members took N40 million.

    “This is gross injustice and typical of the chairman. We also have other sundry remittances from the National Secretariat that are unaccounted for.”

    Sequel to the issues raised and the allegations, the forum demanded for the immediate payment resignation of the state chairman.

    It also demanded for the immediate payment of all the outstanding stipends of the local government and ward to the chapter chairmen to alleviate their sufferings.

    “Going forward, we wish to recommend that the stipends earmarked for the local government and ward party officials should be deducted at source and paid to the chapter chairmen who are leaders of the party and chairmen of caucuses at the local government level.

    “We strongly advocate for a review of the sharing formula of the funds accruing to the party.

    “Ideally, this should be shared in the ratio of 70 percent to the local government and wards comprising of 5,778 officials and 30 percent to the state officials that are 36 in number.

    “He (Eba) should also be mandated to pay our outstanding percentage arising from the sales of delegates and nomination forms in the 2023 general elections.

    “In the overall interest of the unity and progress of our great party, Eba should be mandated to resign honourably due to his anti-progressive actions and tendencies which has affected the party negatively,” it stated.

    The forum concluded that they remain committed to the reelection of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu in 2027.

    The communique was signed the 18 chapter chairmen and 17 chapter secretaries of the Cross River APC. The forum is comprised of 18 chapter Chairmen and 18 chapter Secretaries of the APC in the state.

    Also speaking, Comrade Odama Thomas Odama, chapter chairman Bekwarra and head of Operations of the Forum, said: ” What we have captured here is.a true reflection of the State of our party.”

    Equally speaking, William Book, Secretary of Chairmen Forum, said: “This is not a whitchurch. It is a matter of strengthening the party. So, it is out of place for chairman of the party to withhold dues meant for the party officials.

    “Alphonsus Eba should know other structures to play their role. We have met with him several times to resolve this lingering issues, but he gave deaf ears to it. Thus, this call for his resignation.”

    Reacting in a telephone interview, the State Chairman, Bar Alphonsus Eba said:” They are very stupid people, which I don’t mind. You know, when you are trying to make sure that things work very well, people resort to calling you names..

    “I have grown beyond that level. And all we try to do is to strengthen the party. Three months ago, the governor’s wife had a meeting with women, and in that meeting, I was shocked to hear that the monies I normally pay them directly they don’t remit to their ward chapters accurately.

    “I gave them a template of monies they should be paying as salaries. And they defaulted in following that template and only for me to discover that each of those people have been embezzling small, small stipends that should go to their own colleagues at the chapter level.”

    According to the Chairman, the chapter chairmen cannot distract us because we are focused and determined to instill discipline in the party.

  • Former Chief Of Staff To Gov Ben Ayade, Martin Orim Receives Sen Jarigbe Agom Ahead Of Defection

    Former Chief Of Staff To Gov Ben Ayade, Martin Orim Receives Sen Jarigbe Agom Ahead Of Defection

    The former Chief of Staff to Gov Ben Ayade, Hon. Martin Orim, today October 29th 2025 received Sen Jarigbe Agom in his Abuja residence in preparation for his defection to the All Progressive Congress APC.

    Hon Martin Orim, who is also the Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation and Member of the Governing Council, FCE (Technical) Bichi, assured Sen Jarigbe Agom, of his support and commitment to consolidate party unity and enhance the progress of Cross River State

    The meeting focused on strengthening unity and stimulating collaboration ahead of Sen Jarigbe Agom’s formal entry into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

     

  • C’RIVER APC Chairman, Alphonsus Eba Welcomes Sen Jarigbe Agom To The Party

    C’RIVER APC Chairman, Alphonsus Eba Welcomes Sen Jarigbe Agom To The Party

    RE : DEFECTION TO APC

    This evening at my residence in Abuja, I received Sen Jarigbe Agom , Senator representing the good people of Cross River North.

    Senator Jarigbe said his mission was to intimate me of his intention to join us in the APC and strengthen the party with the objective of building a united APC in Cross River Northern Senatorial District and the State at large.

    He further informed me of his earlier visits to both President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and our Governor, H. E. Apostle Sen. Prince Bassey Otu to intimate them of same intention.

    As Chairman of the Ruling party APC, I welcomed him to my house and into the party as part of my political evangelical mission. I informed him that the APC is like a church and our doors are opened to everyone provided you abide by our rules and regulations.

    I took the opportunity to correct the false narrative being peddled by some persons that the Distinguished Senator was not welcomed by APC party leadership and stakeholders.

    I encouraged him to consult widely with the party leadership and critical stakeholders at the ward, chapter and state level to build cohesive political congeniality that engenders our core values of Peace, Love, Unity and Growth ( PLUG ) which is the pivot of my political evangelism and the nucleus of the fundamental objectives and directive principles of our administration.

    I wish to use this medium to appeal to all party faithful to avoid comments that breeds disunity.

    Once again, Sen. Jarigbe and everyone who is still in opposition but intends to join the APC is welcomed and I urge all ward chairmen to open the register of the party to enable everyone register pending our E registration exercise.

    Our focus on building a strong, united and indivisible party is for the common good of everyone.

    Long Live APC
    Long Live CRS
    Long Live FRN

    Signed

    Pol. Evg. Alphonsus Ogar Eba esq, JP.
    APC chairman, Cross River State

  • C’River Central PDP Stakeholders Backs State Leadership, Frowns At The National Women Leader 

    C’River Central PDP Stakeholders Backs State Leadership, Frowns At The National Women Leader 

     

    By Ndifon Joseph – Calabar

    Stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State Central Senatorial District, have thrown their weight behind the position of the state leadership on elective positions, reaffirming their collective commitment to present a united front that will guarantee victory for the party.

    The endorsement formed part of a five-point communique reached during a well-attended meeting held at Planet Guest House, Calabar, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

    In a communique signed by the National Ex-Officio, Arc. Ekom Akonjom, chapter chairmen, and leaders, they condemned the activities of “some former members who have defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), but through the deliberate machinations of the National Women Leader, Ms. Amina Arong, has acquired nomination forms to contest positions in the forthcoming State Congress” with the intentions of moving the party structure to the ADC.

    They also “resolved to stand firmly by the position of the state leadership; which maintains that all elective positions in the senatorial district and local government areas should remain in their current domiciled locations.”

    Further, they “endorsed the zoning arrangements as earlier agreed, reiterated unflinching loyalty to the party and it’s leadership at the state and national level, and pledged to work assiduously to strengthen the party and ensure successes in all future elections.”

    The timely meeting was presided over by Chief Joe Obi Bisong, and in attendance were chapter chairmen and prominent leaders including, Mr. Fidelis Ekpah, South-South Zonal Ex-Officio, Prince Mike Ojisi, State Publicity Secretary, Barr. Ikpi Eyong Ubana, State Legal Adviser.

    Others include, Chief Mark Obi; Hon. Fred Okpa Osim; Hon. Friday Okpeche; Hon. Itam Abang; Hon. Moses Onoh; Mrs Ada Izani; Mr. Ayuk Ntui Tandu; Prof. Walter Mboto; Hon. Inah Ubi; Mrs Margaret Onen Ph.D, amongst others.

  • Defection Rocks Obanliku APC As Senator Jarigbe Welcomes New Members To The PDP

    Defection Rocks Obanliku APC As Senator Jarigbe Welcomes New Members To The PDP

    In a significant boost to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River North Senatorial District, a group of prominent stakeholders in Obanliku Local Government Area have formally announced their resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the PDP.

    The defectors include Hon. Celestine Abaka, the immediate past chairmanship candidate of the PDP, who had defected to APC some months ago; Mr. Godwin Ashibi, Coordinator for Hon. Peter Akpanke in Bendi 2; Mr. Maurice Ogar, Coordinator in Bishiri South; and Mr. Peter Utase, Special Assistant on Political Affairs to Hon. Akpanke.

    Other notable defectors are Hon. David Iyou, former Leader of Obanliku Legislative Council; Mr. Joseph Ushie, former Chapter Secretary of the PDP; Hon. Paulicap Ugbong, former councilor; and Mr. Ignatius Ekpe, Councillorship candidate. Additionally, Apostle David Kejohu (Bebi Ward), Joseph Ayang (Bisu Ward), and Sly Kejohu have also resigned from the APC.

    During a courtesy visit to Senator Jarigbe Agom’s Abuja residence, Hon. Celestine Abaka, on behalf of the group, declared their support for the Senator due to his proven record of service, accessibility to the people, and visible developmental strides. He cited recent projects and initiatives, including five solar-powered boreholes, 100 students’ bursary beneficiaries, and the newly constructed Busangfong road project, as evidence of Senator Jarigbe’s commitment to the people of Obanliku.

    The group will formally join the PDP in a grand ceremony scheduled to take place in Obanliku, alongside thousands of their loyalists and associates. This event is expected to showcase the growing support for Senator Jarigbe and the PDP in the area.

    Welcoming the defectors, Senator Jarigbe expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received from the people of Obanliku LGA. He assured the new members that they would be fully integrated into the party without discrimination and warned against any form of intimidation. The Senator pledged to deliver more democratic dividends to the Senatorial District.

    The defection ceremony was attended by the Constituency Officer Mr. Egar Mgbantul, Mr. Joseph Agabi, and Pastor John Naku.

    This development is a significant boost to the PDP in Obanliku LGA and demonstrates Senator Jarigbe’s growing influence, popularity and acceptability in Cross River North Senatorial District.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • The Assembly Wants Him To Substantiate His Claim Of 6.8M, If He Cannot, We Ask Him To Retract His Comment – Hon Charles Omang

     

    The member representing Bekwarra State constituency, Hon Charles Omang KSM, has stated that despite insinuations and misconception that the 10th Cross River State House of Assembly wants to silence critics, on account of the summon of Mr Ejim Jonny Agogo, who alleged in a viral video that his house of assembly member, Hon Charles Omang and his colleagues at the Cross River State House of Assembly, receives 6.8M as monthly salary apart from constituency and other allowances.

    Responding to questions from TheLumineNews, Hon Omang noted that the video which was played in a church in Bekwarra Local Government Area, has spread bad blood among his constituents which increased the routine requests for financial assistance, has however put him and his colleagues in the negative light before their constituents.

    The lawmaker explained that “In the assembly, we took it very seriously because that is far from reality. The salary of a state house member is in the public domain since 1999. It has never been reviewed.
    When he made findings, he was told that our salary is #680,000.00 and he mischievously added one zero to the figure to pitch our constituents against us. It is not just about me here, it is about the entire assembly.

    “The assembly is not detaining him or sending him to any prison as wrongly speculated. We want him to come and tell us how he got that figure as our salary. If he cannot substantiate his claim, we ask him to retract his comments using the same energy he used to create the video, and that will end the matter”.

    The lawmaker stated that just very recently that they noticed an increment of #60,000.00 in the salary, and wondered why his constituents resorted to such a blackmail.

    Omang further disclosed that he played a very significant role to restore normalcy in the feud between the Chairman and councillors in Bekwarra last month, but that the said Mr Ejim Jonny Agogo, who hails from the same village with him Ukpah, claimed that he is among the persons sponsoring the councillors against the chairman of council.

    “This guy has been in this act to ruin my reputation. At some point, I called his elder brother’s attention to what he says and writes about me.
    “I was not hungry when I came into the state house of assembly. I have a law firm in Abuja and I was doing well for myself. I came into the assembly because I have always wanted to serve my people. But I can tell you that as assembly members, all is not well with us as people speculate. You can find out from your state constituency member, the deputy speaker. The pressure from personal, family and constituents responsibilities far outweigh our income”.

    Hon Omang noted that “I’m always available to provide information about the operations of the assembly and not for anyone to use falsehood to create rifts between us and our constituents that are unnecessary”.

    Meanwhile, the Cross River State House of Assembly has received widespread criticism for summoning Mr Ejim Jonny Agogo, for raising false alarm on the monthly salary of assembly members.

    Majority to those who have aired their views, suggested that the assembly was supposed to have issues a rejoinder other than the summon.

  • Jarigbe Debunks Defection Rumor, Receives Hundreds Of Defectors In Bekwarra

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Senator representation Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has debunked the rumours of his defection from the People’s Democratic Party to the All Progressive Congress.

    Sen Jarigbe made the clarification during the town hall meeting with constituents held in Obudu, Bekwarra, Obanliku local government areas.

    The lawmaker noted that if Tinubu and Bassey Otu had not stayed in the opposition, they would not have been president and governor today, and so he can not abandon the people and the platform that gave him their support and mandate to represent them.

    In his words ‘It is true that there are some issues at the national level. But those issues are going to be resolved. The election is not tomorrow. The election is not next week. It is not next year.

    “I don’t want us to distract ourselves with all of that. It’s time for governance. We have no excuse not to deliver. We want you to hold us accountable.

    “Party politics is different, but I have to share a few things with you. There are issues surrounding who will be National Secretary and who will not be. But those issues will be resolved. There is nothing like PDP will not be able to file candidates.

    “By the grace of God, I will be on the ballot. Nothing is going to stop you for voting for your son and the person you want. I want to correct an impression that I’m moving from this party. I’m not moving.

    “If our president, President Tinibu, did not stay in opposition, he will not be president today. If our governor, Prince Otu, did not stay in opposition, he wouldn’t have been governor today. So nobody can come and coerce me and say that I must move to any party.

    “In Obanliku, we chose one of your sons and sent him to the national assembly as member of the House of Representatives. Today there are insinuations that he says that there will be no tickets for us on the platform of PDP. Please, there will be tickets for us. If he wants to leave the party, it’s for personal reasons. I am not part of it.

    “It wasn’t the name of any party that voted for us. The people that voted for us are seated here. We will go by your decision and not the decision of anybody in Abuja or Calabar”.

    The lawmaker explained that it was very necessary for him to interface with the people whose mandate he holds to give account of his stewardship for the period of two years in the 10th assembly, and also to have the opportunity to be accessed by his people. He further charged the people to draw his attention to areas of concern where he needs to focus on in the next two years.

    Sen Jarigbe listed projects he facilitated in each of the ten wards of the three Local Government Areas he visited including the electrification of Gakem to Abuochiche, Bekwarra Local Government Area and construction of Amukwong bridge, Alege, Alege/Ubang ward in Obudu Local Government Area which are ongoing.

    He used the opportunity to thank his constituents for the support and steadfastness demonstrated and pledged to always put first the interest of his constituents.

    Speaking earlier during the town hall meetings held at various locations in Obanliku, Obudu and Bekwarra Local Government Areas, the Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, Cross River State chapter, Mr Vena Ikem Esq, noted that “Globally, it is a common practice for representatives to hold town hall meetings periodically to enable them meet with their constituents as to get feedback to enable them improve their representation.

    “Very recently, I have witnessed where representatives where booed by their constituents on account of their failed representation.

    “Please do not hesitate to tell your senator where he has not done well to enable him serve you better. Where he has done well, please don’t forget to commend him as that will definitely encourage him to do more”.

    Leaders and stakeholders of the three local governments took turns to commend the uncommon representation of Sen Jarigbe Agom, and noted that they have not had it this easy with any senator since 1999.

    In Obanliku, principal among the things mentioned that requires the senator’s attention was the Kakwe road .

    In Obudu, the people called on Sen Jarigbe Agom to lobby for federal appointments for the youths, noting that the youths are roaming the streets with qualified certificates with no one in sight to assist them get jobs. They argue that Obudu youths deserve to also occupy positions in Nigerian National Petroleum Cooperation NNPC, Federal Inland Revenue Services and others.

    In Bekwarra, the people commended Sen Jarigbe Agom, to have facilitated federal government scholarship for three of their sons who are currently abroad on studies.
    They requested the senator to give their youths Jobs and to see to the completion of the electrification project, which worries every Bekwarra person.

    The people of Bekwarra assured Sen Jarigbe Agom, of their unflinching support even beyond 2027 and referred to the coercion by the All Progressive Congress to silence other parties as a failed project. They posited that the APC should coerce the prices of commodities in the market to crash so that the common people can live averagely. And that unless that is done, whatever some of the leaders who were given opportunities on the plater of gold, but failed to utilize it, are wasting their time as majority of the Bekwarra people will continue to support the good work Sen Jarigbe is doing.

    During the town hall meeting at Bekwarra, the All Progressive Congress Chapter Secretary, Mr Joe Okpen Adams, Ayade’s former aide, Odama Groovydee Abednigo Oga, led hundreds of APC faithfuls to the PDP and cited Sen Jarigbe Agom’s leadership prowess and service to the people as the basis for their defection. They used the opportunity and declared support for the lawmaker and the party.

    The were received into the party by the chapter Chairman of the PDP, and encouraged by the state Chairman, Barr Vena Ikem Esq.

    Sen Jarigbe Agom commended their bold step to join the PDP and noted that the move was natural and organic as the PDP has nothing to coerce or to use as a tool to lure anyone to join the party.

  • Zana Akpagu Set To Defect To The PDP As Sen Jarigbe Holds Town Hall Meetings

     

    The former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, and one time aspirant for the Cross River Northern Senatorial District bye-election, under the All Progressive Congress APC, Prof Zana Akpagu, has declared support for Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe and noted that when they go back, he will discuss with Engr Jacob and plan a bigger rally for defection from the All Progressive Congress APC to the People’s Democratic Party PDP.

    The former UNICAL Vice Chancellor, made this known during the town hall meeting organized by Sen Jarigbe Agom with his constituents yesterday May 25th 2025 at the various venues where the town hall meetings held.

    The excited Prof Akpagu, was reacting to the overwhelming demonstration of love and support for Sen Jarigbe Agom, by the people of Bekwarra Local Government Area, when he sighted Engr Jacob, one of Bekwarra Prominent sons who is a member of the All Progressive Congress APC, came out in solidarity with Sen Jarigbe Agom, on the basis of performance.

    In his words “I want to thank you all for this show of love you have shown to your son Sen Jarigbe Agom. I congratulate you for this solidarity. When we go back, we will discuss with Engr Jacob and plan a bigger rally for defection. I won’t move alone I will bring him to the PDP”.

    Earlier, the former university don, had told his kingsmen in Obudu that it was witchcraft for anyone not to identify with a performing leader like Sen Jarigbe Agom.

    He informed that he took Sen Jarigbe unaware and jumped into the bus with him and he will follow him through the five local government areas for the town hall meetings and he is sure that Sen Jarigbe won’t drive him away.

    He averred that “I will come to my PDP ward chairman, the chapter Chairman and perfect my membership registration process and then defect formally. For now I’m an illegal member”.

    The state party Chairman of the PDP, Mr Vena Ikem Esq, described Prof Akpagu as an uncommon Vice Chancellor, who used the office to empower Cross Riverians.

    He said Ipong ward was blessed with two leaders, one a governor and the other a Vice Chancellor and both occupied a place of prominence. While the former governor was busy doing food on the table, Prof Zana preoccupied his thought process with giving people live long employments.

    Reacting to the development, Mr Udie Mike, who spoke on behalf of Obudu, noted that the biggest achievement in Obudu by Sen Jarigbe is the return of the former Vice Chancellor, Prof Zana Akpagu to the PDP. He assured that with the performance of the senator, more of the APC members are ready to defect to the PDP.

    A foundation member of the PDP, Prof Zana Akpagu, was two time commissioner during Sen Liyel Imoke.

    The former Vice Chancellor is said to have given appointment to not less than 10 persons in each of the 54 political wards in Northern Senatorial District.