The Lumine News

Category: Politics

  • Quarrel Between Governor Sim Fubara And Nyesom Wike, Is History Repeating Itself? BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

     

    The open quarrel between Governor Sim Fubara and his former benefactor, Nyesom Wike,Minister of the Federal Capital Administration, is a reminisce of the one between Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola in the defunct Western Region of Nigeria that took place in the early 1960s.

    Chief Obafemi Awolowo (SAN) was the leader of the Action Group,a political party that was founded in the late 1940s.
    Chief Awolowo was the leader of the Action Group and was in 1954 elected the Premier of Western Region of Nigeria.

    Chief Awolowo was the premier of the Western region from 1954 to 1960.
    He was later elected a member of the Nigerian Parliament and became the leader of the opposition.
    His ambition was to become the Prime Minister of Nigeria,and he therefore started playing politics to erect structures and networks across the country that would enable his ambition.

    On other hand, Chief Samuel Ládòkè Akíntọ́lá (S.L.A) was an orator and lawyer.
    He served as Oloye Aare Ona Kakanfo XIII of Yorubaland and served as premier of Western Nigeria from independence in 1960 until his assassination in 1966.
    He was the deputy leader of the Action Group.
    He did not want Western Nigeria to remain in opposition and accordingly sought alliance with the defunct Northern Peoples Congress that in control of the Federal government of Nigeria.
    Chief Akintola founded his own party known as Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) which entered into a coalition with the Northern Peoples Congress.

    The two approaches adopted by Chief Awolowo and Chief Akintola led to a bitter feud which fragmented the Action Group into two irreconcilable factions ,namely Chief Awolowo’s faction and Chief Akintola’s own.

    The disagreement between Chief Awolowo and Chief Akintola led to the eruption of crisis in the Western Region House of Assembly over a move by Chief Awolowo supporters in the Assembly to remove Chief Akintola from office as Premier of Western Region in 1962.

    There was a fight between supporters of these two political gladiators, Chief Awolowo and Chief Akintola, on the floor of the Western Region House of Assembly by its members that had fragment into two irreconcilable factions in May 1962.
    The mace of the House of Assembly,was broken leading to the intervention of the Police to maintain law and order.
    Chief Akintola had accused Chief Awolowo of plotting to toppled his government.
    The intervention of the government of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was decisive and swift.
    A law was passed in the Nigerian Parliament authorizing the Prime Minister to declare a statement of emergency in the Western Region and dismantling of democratic institutions and governance.
    The Federal government appointed the then Federal Minister of Health. Dr. Moses
    .A Majekodunmi as the Sole Administrator of the Western Region from 29 June 1962 to December 1962.

    Chief Akintola challenged in Court his removal from office as Premier of Western Nigeria and he fought the case from the then Federal Supreme Court of Nigeria to the Privy Council (the Privy Council was the Judicial Commitee of the British House of Lords but was the apex judicial authority for Nigeria).

    However, Chief Akintola was restored as the Premier of Western Region of Nigeria in 1963.

    The chains of events that took place in the Western Region that emanated from the bitter political feud between Chief Awolowo and Chief Akintola was one of the causes of military intervention in Nigerian politics.

    On the 15 January 1966 the government of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was toppled in a military coup detat leading to the suspension of the Constitution, the Nigerian Parliament and other democratic institutions.

    The military remained in power from 1966 to 1979.
    Unfortunately, Chief Akintola was assassinated by the ring leaders of the coup on the 15 January 1966.

    What lessons can all those involved in the current imbroglio in Rivers State learn from the bitter feud between Chief Awolowo and Chief Akintola?

    @ Okoi Obono-Obla

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Okoi Obono-Obla, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for 

  • Profile And Manifesto Of Hon Mrs Mary Asabe Ugbe, Vying For The Chairmanship Position of Obudu Local Government Council

     

    Hon. Mrs Mary Asabe Ugbe, was born on 25th November, 1960 in Bebuabie village, Obudu Local Government Area to the family of late Sargent Christopher and Mrs Theresa Ushie.

    Hon Asabe Ugbe began her education at RCM primary school Akwanga between 1966- 1972 and later Government Teachers College Akwanga, between 1973 – 1977, in the then Plateau State where she obtained Teacher Grade 2 certificate. She proceeded to the University of Jos for an Associate-ship in Education (A.C.E), 1987, and later obtained the Nigerian Certificate in Education NCE, from the Federal College of Education, Obudu. The quest for further knowledge took her to the University of Jos where she obtained the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed), Guidance and Counseling, 2001 and later Masters of Education (M.Ed), from Benue State University, in 2014.

    As a professional teacher, Hon Asabe Ugbe, has taught in both primary and secondary schools in both Obudu and Ogoja Local Government Areas.

    Due to her hard work, she was elevated to the positions of Headteacher and Principal before she retired from civil service on 1st July 2012.

    A devote Christian of the Roman Catholic Church, Mrs Asabe Ugbe, belongs to the Noble order of the Knight of Saint John International (KSJI).

    As a social engineer, Hon Mrs Asabe Ugbe, belongs to so many women groups, cooperatives and social clubs, including Lishi Gie Kushu social club of Obudu, where she currently serves as president.

    She is a community leader and mobilizer. She is a counseling psychologist, a peace lover as well as seasoned administrator. She is currently the Chairman of pensioners, Obudu/Obanliku branch.

    Political Career: Hon Asabe Ugbe, was a caretaker committee member of the defunct Social Democratic Party SDP, and a strong party stalwart. She has been delegate to so many elections.

    She is a grassroot politician from Obudu Urban 2.
    She is the immediate past Vice Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, where she served under Hon Boniface Eraye Ewhe, from 2020 – 2023.

    Why Contesting For Chairmanship Position

    ASABE’S SEASON OF INNOVATIVE CHANGE.

    Over time, Local Government Councils have been run as mere administrative centres.
    There seemed to have been no significant improvement to justify the creation and existence of this tier of government.

    The need to change the dynamics to meet the growing expectations of the people at the grassroot whose interest the local government councils were established to cater for is very sacrosanct.

    The desire and quest to change this ugly trend, propelled me to put myself forward to run for the Chairmanship position of Obudu is to provide an alternative strategy to council administration.

    My design for Obudu Local Government is to apply simple methods to activate great changes.

    Education: I am a proud teacher whose career spanned both the primary and secondary streams. I know the place of primary education in the development chain. Primary education is the responsibility of the local government, and it will be prioritized to provide a sound foundation to prepare our children for further studies. This will done through:
    Schools renovation.
    Budgeted imprest for sundry items in schools.
    Monitoring compliance with set standards as enunciated by UBEC and SUBEB.
    Regular and prompt payment of teachers’ salary and benefits.

    HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT : This will be done through
    training of young men and women in artisanal crafts and proving start-up capital sourced from microfinance instutions and guaranteed by Council.
    Aggressive encouragement of our people to take trading as a vocation. It’s a profitable and sustainable venture.
    Harnessing of local produce and products for primary processing to create employment and economic activities in the area.

    AGRICULTURE: Our people are primarily peasant farmers. We will provide innovations on their farming methods to engender improved productivity. Provide farm inputs such as fertilizer, relevant chemicals and deploy Council Agricultural personnel as Extension Officers to assist farmers with emerging trends in modern farming methods

    HEALTH: We must be healthy first before we can carry out other human activities. Council under my supervision will rely on the advice of the health officials at our various primary health centers to ensure a steady availability of drugs to the health centers. Reactivate broken solar powered drug refrigerated infrastructure to ensure that stored drugs remain potent for patients.
    Motivate health officials through provision of regular imprest to run an effective and efficient primary health system to stem cases of maternal and child mortality.
    Liaise with relevant health organizations to access drugs and equipment for our health centers.
    Encourage retraining of the personnel to meet the challenges of new ailments and prevention methods.

    SECURITY: Security is the primary responsibility on government. Council under my watch will work with all security agencies in Obudu, Traditional Rulers Council, Youth Leaders and community volunteers to ensure the security of lives and properties.

    TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION AND CULTURE: Council will strengthen the traditional ruler’s institution in Obudu through regular interface to enable them maintain peace and order, providing general advice, preserving customs and culture, settling land disputes, granting religious authorizations, exercising social authority, and recognizing outstanding members of society.

    INFRASTRUCTURE AND ROADS: Council under my watch will ensure that the rural roads and culverts are taken care of to give access to our farmers to bring their produce to the market.

    INTERNALLY GENERATED REVENUE: Council cannot function solely on allocation from the federation account. Council will concentrate more to improve internally generated revenue to execute programmes. Build more lockup shops in Obudu main market, Utugwang market, Alege market, develop the mechanic village in Obudu town, naming of streets as well as strengthen revenue collection using the Point of Sale POS machines.

     

    SOLID MINERALS EXPLORING: Council will ensure that all relevant laws are enforced to ensure that council benefit from all exploration going on currently in Obudu. The quarries that are currently going on in Obudu. Council will engage the services of experts with the view to identify other minerals and ensure it’s exploration.

    ALIGNMENT WITH THE STATE GOVERNMENT PEOPLE’S FIRST AGENDA

    Hon Mrs Asabe Ugbe empower women across the 10th wards in obudu local government during her tenure in office as the vice chairman of council 🎉🎉🎉🎉👑

    These and many more strategic areas shall be the core of my government should the good people of Obudu decide that it is time for innovative change in our Council administration.

    Best wishes from
    Hon Mary Asabe Ugbe.

  • Asabe Ugbe Felicitates With Obudu On Nigeria’s Independence Celebration

     

    A Frontline contender for the position of Chairmanship in Obudu Local Government Area, Mrs Mary Asabe Ugbe, has felicitate with the people of Obudu, on the 64th independent celebration of nationhood.

    In a message she personally signed and made available to TheLumineNews, the immediate past Vice Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon Asabe Ugbe, urged Nigerians in general and Obudu in particular to be inspired by the independence to cherish our freedom, embrace diversity and work together to build a brighter future.

    The release reads in parts “Today we celebrate the spirit of freedom and the values that unites us as a nation. Let’s us honor the sacrifices of those who fought for our liberty, and continue to strive for justice and equity for all.

    “May this day inspire us to cherish our freedom, embrace diversity and work together to build a brighter future”

  • Diamond Jubilee: Emma Akwagiobe Congratulates APC Stakeholders, Obudu Community on Nigeria’s 64th Anniversary

     

    On the occasion of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2024, the Honorable Emma Akwagiobe campaign train extends warm felicitations to our esteemed All Progressives Congress stakeholders, supporters and the good people of Obudu Local Government Area, at home and in the diaspora.

    As we celebrate this milestone Diamond Jubilee which symbolizes our nation’s strength, we are reminded of our unity and resilience as one indivisible nation. May this momentous occasion inspire us to work together towards a brighter future for Obudu and Nigeria.

    As we move closer to the local government elections this October, we are confident that our collective efforts will culminate in a resounding victory at the polls. We are committed to take the reins of leadership to deliver exemplary governance that will bring prosperity and growth to our people.

    Therefore, as we move into this month of October, we thank our friends and growing support base for all your efforts in making this aspiration a success. We pray that God’s blessings, favor and grace will be our guiding principles. May this month of October be a month of victory and a month of joy for all of us.

    Once again, we congratulate our party members for their strong enthusiasm and dedication. We also invite those who are undecided to join our movement. Together, we will transform Obudu Local Government Area into a shining example of progress and hope for our collective good.

    Congratulations and Happy Independence anniversary.

    Signed:
    Hon. Emma Akwagiobe For Chairman Campaign Train.
    1/10/2024

  • I Remain Loyal To The PDP, I Have No Reason To Leave – Jarigbe

    The senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has urged his constituents to be calm as he his loyalty remain with his constituents.

    Sen Jarigbe responded to rumors peddled by distractors and said he remained with the PDP because he has no reason to leave.

    The lawmaker noted that his mandate was given to him by people of Cross River North, and only the person have the power to determine his fate, and insisted that no political maneuver or rumor can alter this truth. The senator affirmed that his loyalty lies with the people, and his commitment to our shared vision of progress remains unshaken.

    The senator made this known in press release made available to TheLumineNews, which he personally signed.

    Find the release below

    PRESS RELEASE

    DISREGARD BASELESS RUMORS: I REMAIN LOYAL TO THE PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP).

    My dear Constituents of Cross River North Senatorial District, esteemed Party men and loyal supporters,
    I address you today in response to a baseless and mischievous rumor making the rounds, suggesting that I, your Senator, am planning to defect from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to another political party. I wish to categorically state that this rumor is entirely false, a figment of the imagination of political jobbers who are bent on misleading and distracting us from the important task of governance and development in our district.

    Let me be clear: I remain fully committed to the ideals of the PDP and have no intention whatsoever of jumping ship. This malicious rumor is the handiwork of those who seek to cause confusion among our people. Their intention is to undermine the trust we have built together, but I urge you to completely disregard their lies. Our focus must remain on delivering the dividends of democracy to our people, not engaging in baseless speculation.

    I did not seek this position to play politics; I sought it to serve you, my people. It is not about the political party, but about the commitment to fulfilling our social contract. As your representative, I have always placed your welfare, development, and progress above all else. That will never change. I am here to serve, and I will continue to deliver on my promises, no matter the distractions.

    Those who are quick to defect are often those who have failed to perform and are now seeking help from the government in power ahead of the next election. However, let me remind them that elections are won based on performance, not on the political party one belongs to. Our people are wise, and they will assess us by what we have done for them, not by where we have chosen to sit at the table of power.

    I remain with the PDP because I have no reason to leave. My mandate was given to me by you, the people of Cross River North, and only you have the power to determine my fate. No political maneuver or rumor can alter this truth. My loyalty lies with you, and my commitment to our shared vision of progress remains unshaken.

    I urge you to stay focused and disregard the noise from those who wish to distract us. Together, we will continue to work for the betterment of our Senatorial District , ensuring that the progress we seek is achieved.

    Thank you for your trust, support, and belief in our shared mission.

    God bless Cross River North Senatorial District.
    God bless the People’s Democratic Party.

    Dist. Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, DSSRS.
    Cross River North Senatorial District
    People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

  • Ofambe Community Adopts Silas Osang For Councillorship In Alege/Ubang Ward

     

    The people of Ofambe Community in Alege/Ubang ward has unanimously adopted Mr Silas Ochui as their representative in the Obudu Legislative Council just as the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission CROSIEC announced the conduct of Local Government elections in October, 2024.

    The event which comprised of elders, women, youths, opinion leaders and Chiefs in Ofambe community took place at Unity Primary School, Ofambe – Ubang, Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    The community explained that it was very crucial to carefully examine the various persons vying to represent them in the council as the third tier of government, the local government council is the most closest to the local people and so demands a person who is closer to them, who understands them and will provide the needed representation that is demanded of such a person.

    The community insisted that it was very appropriate and timely for them to adopt who they think is best among their children vying for same position to avoid unnecessary expenses occasioned by their aspirations which may create room for overzealous politicians in and outside the Ofambe community to extort them.

    The community vowed to do everything within their powers to ensure that their choice of the councillorship position is sustained and subsequently elected into council to compete with other colleagues with the view to deliver the dividends of democracy to them.

    The event had in attendance women, youths, elders, opinion leaders and Chiefs who adopted Mr Osang Silas Ochui, as their sole aspirant for the councillorship position.

    They used the occasion to call on all sons and daughters of Alege/Ubang ward to respect their choice of who represents them in the council since the position has been zoned to Ofambe.

    The following persons spoke on behalf of the elders/opinion leaders, Mr Fidelis Omang popularly refered to as Mali, Omang Christy spoke on behalf of the women, and Mr Inyang Denis spoke on behalf of the youths.

    Also Elder Inyang Isaiah Osang, a retired pastor, called on other youths to respect the choice of the community.

    Present during the adoption were all the chiefs in the community.
    Chief Julius Okpu
    Chief Oliver Ibang
    Chief Sunday iyang
    Chief Peter Abua,
    Chief. Simon orim
    Chief. Ayeni James
    Chief. Nzama Jonah
    Chief. Ayeni Vincent.

    Mr Osang Silas Ochui, thanked the entire community for the responsibility saddled him, and used the opportunity to call on all other brothers of his who have declared their intentions openly or are yet to do so to please give him the opportunity and support to answer the call to serve them.

    He thanked the community to have abandoned their schedules to gather for his sake. He pledged commitment to the responsibility given him asked for prayers.

    He was blessed and prayers offered to God as they called on their ancestors to guide, protect and bring to fruition their collective choice of their councillorship representative.

    Mr Silas Osang has shown commitment to serving others. His impact on the community is evident through various initiatives, including:
    Volunteering at the Ofambe Primary Health Center, ensuring that vital health services reach the most vulnerable populations.

    Volunteering at the Community Secondary School in Ubang where he taught and prepared for JAMB, WAEC and NECO examinations, which significantly improved Student’s chances of admission to higher education.

    Osang played pivotal role in the reinstallation and repair of the local market borehole, ensuring access to clean water for residents. He also worked on configuring streetlights, enhancing the safety and security of the community.

    His key three areas of focus includes, effective representation, accountability, and youth empowerment.

  • Team Jari Media Speaks On Defecting Two PDP Assembly Members

    ON THE MATTER OF OUR DEPARTING ASSEMBLY MEMBERS

    “There are two tragedies in life. One is not to gain your heart’s desire, the other is to gain it.” – George Bernard Shaw.

    In gaining one’s strong desire they are unwittingly exposed both to themselves and the general public, in the mettle that frames their inner core and their capacity to stay the course upon which they sailed into success, despite challenges.

    Sometimes to lose a high office is to find protection from oneself and their frailties and remain in the fitting shelter of public knowledge about them. If you didn’t come to the village square to play, no one would have known about your club feet.

    The social media has been agog with news about the plans of two PDP members of the House of Assembly to defect to the APC in less than no time. They are going to the food table where they expect to eat mouthfuls for themselves. And the real losers are the people who voted them into office and trusted them with their well-being.

    We who are members of the Peoples Democratic Party,of can only wish them well in their new endeavour and hope that since there is no governor from the North at this time, they will be able to fill in the gap by attracting, employment, projects and empowerment for their constituents which their membership of the PDP did not allow them to do.

    Our brothers are free to ignore the reality, as Ayn Rand says, but they cannot ignore the consequences of ignoring the reality. Nor can they ignore the niggling conscience of betraying the very hand and machinery that fed their ambition and brought them to the front line.

    We on our part will continue to remain resolute in our belief in our leaders and in our party, as doing otherwise can only make us light in the eyes of the people to whom we owe our election into office and our mandate. Being so blessed by the Almighty, we cannot regret the loss of some associates, after all, it was never about numbers, it was always about our belief, our conviction and the trust that the masses of our people have invested in us.

    When we ran in 2023 elections we captured 7 Seats out of 9 Seats in Cross River North. This was achieved even when they dominated all elected and appointive Offices, we had only the people on our side. We stood against a sitting governor from the North, a federal minister from the North, two National Assembly members, six House of Assembly members, five local government chairmen, ten commissioners, more than 2000 appointees, about 50 councillors and even more. And we still changed the narrative.

    We are still standing with the people. Two House of Assembly members abandoning the people and the party are most unlikely to change the story, they may however gain a little personal pecks and perquisites, nothing more. Regrettably, they are unlikely to bring any succour at all, for the people who brought them to office. In any event, their influence has, at best, been very negligible.

    We remain unconquerable, because we are who we are, having long chosen principles and the narrow path over and above the gravey train. There are no odds in politics when the people are at the core of one’s endeavour, the choice is not difficult to make. What is more delightful is that our electorates are more enlightened now and truly know on which side their bread is buttered.

    And like INVICTUS, we thank whatever gods may be, for our unconquerable souls. Because we remain the masters of our fate, the captains of our souls.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Obono-Obla Wants CROSIEC To Clarify It’s Own TimeTable

     

    A Human rights Lawyer and activist, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, a founding member of the All Progressive Congress APC, who was also a former President Buhari Aide, has called on the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission CROSIEC, to clarify it’s own timetable.

    According to the timetable released by CROSIEC, there is no provision for registered political parties to comply with section 20A of CROSIEC law.

    In a release made available to TheLumineNews, Obono-Obla noted the importance of CROSIEC to correct the error to avoid someone challenging the process.

    The release reads in full:
    “CROSEIC NEEDS TO CLARIFY THE OMISSION ON ITS TIMETABLE:

    “Undoubtedly, the timetable released by CROSIEC today, the 25 September 2024, which kickstarts activities that would culminate in the Local Government councils elections in Cross River State, is nebulous.

    “CROSIEC, must as a matter of urgency, explains why in its timetable, no provision was made for registered political parties to comply with section 20A of CROSIEC Law (supra)

    “This time table is faulty because there is provision made for registered political parties to give 21 days’ notice in writing to CROSIEC of their intention to hold congresses to nominate their candidates for the election as provided by section 20A of CROSEIC Law (2002) (as amended).
    It is important for CROSIEC to take steps to correct this error ,otherwise, it is opening her flank for someone to challenge the process, which may result in the invalidation of the entire process.
    Is it a deliberate omission or an oversight?”.

  • Buda Ward PDP Suspends Cross River State Secretary, Mr Anthony Edako, For Alleged Anti-party

    *PDP Suspends Cross River State

    Buda Ward, Boki LGA, Cross River State of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, has suspended the State Secretary of the party, Mr. Anthony Edako, indefinitely, effective from the 11th of September, 2024.

    The decision was formally communicated through a letter signed by key members of the ward, citing repeated acts of disregard for party leadership and involvement in anti-party activities.

    According to the letter issued by the Ward Chairman, Mr. James Ofre Enyia, and co-signed by prominent ward stakeholders, Mr. Edako’s suspension follows his continued engagement in activities contrary to the best interests of the party. Specifically, it was highlighted that Mr. Edako unilaterally took decisions affecting the ward executive members without proper consultation, disregarding the PDP’s established protocols of teamwork and consultation. His actions, which allegedly undermined the ward’s stakeholders, were considered violations of party principles.

    The letter emphasizes that Mr. Edako’s involvement in anti-party activities, alongside his failure to follow due process, necessitated the imposition of an indefinite suspension. The party leadership in Buda Ward made it clear that this action would remain in effect pending further investigations and recommendations from the party’s disciplinary bodies.

    In conclusion, the letter directed Mr. Edako to refrain from participating in any party-related activities in his capacity as the State Secretary until the disciplinary process has been concluded. The matter has been escalated, with copies of the suspension letter sent to the PDP National Chairman, the PDP State Chairman, and other relevant party bodies for further review.

    The suspension of a key official such as Mr. Anthony Edako marks a pivotal moment for the PDP in Cross River State as the party seeks to enforce internal discipline and maintain unity among its members ahead of forthcoming political activities.

  • Obono-Obla Writes Gov Otu, Calls For The Suspension Of APC State Chairman, Alphonsus Eba

    A former President Buhari Aide and foundation member of the All Progressive Congress APC, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has called on Gov Bassey Otu to to intervene and direct the appropriate organ of the Party to immediately initiate disciplinary proceedings against Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba or in the alternative the State Exco convene a meeting to consider whether or a vote of no confidence should not be passed on Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba or I will seek legal means to remove him from office as State Chairman of All Progressive Congress Cross River State Chapter.

    Obono-Obla in a letter addressed to Gov Otu on 9 September 2024, and made available to TheLumineNews stated among other allegations that Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba wrote an incendiary piece on his Facebook and other social media page titled Open Letter to Mr President calculated to promote ill feelings, incitement, and hostility by the populace against the APC Federal government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The letter reads in full:

    “His Excellency
    Senator Bassey Edet Otu
    Governor
    Cross River State of Nigeria
    Governor’s Office
    Hope Waddel Avenue
    Calabar, Cross River State
    Nigeria

    His Excellency,

    “WHY BARRISTER ALPHONSUS OGAR EBA SHOULD BE SUSPENDED AS STATE CHAIRMAN, ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS CROSS RIVER STATE CHAPTER

    “I write to you in your capacity as the Governor of Cross River State of Nigeria and the Leader of the All-Progressive Congress Cross River State Chapter and the South South Zone of Nigeria to bring to your attention the quiet crisis rocking our Party quietly but which would soon fester into a major one if decisive step (s) is not taken now to nip it in the bud. The State Executive Committee of the Party led by Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba is atrophied, rudderless, and has reached it menopause and has to leave when the ovation is still louder.

    “I therefore respectfully implore you to intervene and direct the appropriate organ of the Party to immediately initiate disciplinary proceedings against Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba or in the alternative the State Exco convene a meeting to consider whether or a vote of no confidence should not be passed on Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba or I will seek legal means to remove him from office as State Chairman of All Progressive Congress Cross River State Chapter.

    “MY REPRESENTATION TO HIS EXCELLENCY IS HINGED ON THE FOLLOWING GROUNDS:

    “1. CREATION OF FACTIONS:
    The APC has splintered into numerous factions in almost 18 local government areas of Cross River State as a result of Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Ebo dictatorial leadership style, which makes internal cohesion, solidarity, and unity practically impossible. Some of these factions enjoy the endorsement and support of Chairman Barrister Alphonsus Eba and cohorts.
    For instance, when I raised the existence of a faction in APC Yakurr Local Government Area known as Yakurr Embassy in an interview granted by me to an online newspaper known as TNT, which enjoys the tacit support, Chairman Barrister Alphonsus Eba falsely asserted that it was a support group.
    However, the said Yakurr Embassy is not registered, neither in Cross River State nor the National as a support group.

    “2. DISCREDITING MR. PRESIDENT’S POLICIES:
    Recently, Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba wrote an incendiary piece on his Facebook and other social media page titled Open Letter to Mr President calculated to promote ill feelings, incitement, and hostility by the populace against the APC Federal government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “During the campaign in 2023, the APC made it quite clear that as part of its economic reform agenda, it would scrap the payment of subsidies on Petroleum products.

    “The hardship and high cost of living the country and its people are passing through presently is a natural consequence of the withdrawal of subsidies on Petroleum products.

    “As the Chairman of APC in Cross River State, Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba must align his opinion and public utterances with the policy agenda of the APC Federal government and resist the temptation to pander to the sentiments and narratives been bandied by the opposition to score political points against the government. See attached screenshot of the Facebook page of Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba dated 3 September 2024

    “3. VIOLATION AND FLOUTING OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE APC CONSTITUTION:
    Violation and flouting of the provisions of the APC Constitution that the framers of the Constitution deliberately inserted to enhance smooth administration and management of the Party by someone like Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba continually since he assumed office is a calculated sabotage, inexcusable and unbecoming.

    “Article 13.8(v)of the APC Constitution 2022 provides that the State Executive Committee Create or appoint such Committee(s) as it may deem necessary, desirable, or expedient and assign to them such powers and functions as it may deem fit and proper, provided that the powers and functions of such Committee(s) shall not conflict with any Committee(s) set up by the National Executive Committee or the National Working Committee.
    As a deliberate failure, refusal and or neglect of Barristers Alphonsus Eba led State EXCO to activate organs and structures created by the Constitution to foster and promote smooth administration of the Party and ensure wide participation of major stakeholders across the State the Party has become purposeless and rudderless and wobbling on the verge of collapse.

    “These organs are the State Caucus (created by Article 12.10 of the APC Constitution); Local Government Area Caucus (created by Article 12.5 of the APC Constitution; and Senatorial District Committee (created by Article 12.2).
    The failure to activate these organs has led to disillusionment and perception of marginalization of the various tendencies that exist within the State Chapter of the Party.

    “For instance, the old members who have been members of the Party from 2013 to those who joined in 2017 on one hand and to those who defected from PDP in 2021 on the other hand are estranged and in a State of cold war because of the failure to activate these organs that would have used to harmonized these two tendencies and give each of them a sense of belonging.

    “4. LACK OF MEETINGS AND INCLUSIVITY:
    The State Exco led by Barrister Alphonsus Eba has a penchant of non-conducting or convening meetings of both the State Executive and Working Committees, which amounts to a contravention of the Party Constitution. See Article 25 of the APC Constitution,2022.

    “5. STIFLING OF INTERNAL PARTY DEMOCRACY:
    The State Exco led by Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba recently banned all members of the APC in Cross River State from holding meetings to ventilate their fundamental human rights to assembly, hold opinions and express themselves on matters concerning their well beings as members of the Party. This is against the fundamentals, traditions, and principles of Party democracy. Constructive engagement, consensus building, and discussions among Party members are requisite ingredients of democracy that should not be stifled under any guise.

    “6. LACK OF TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY:
    The State Exco led by Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba has demonstrated a capacity and propensity for opaque and clandestine conduct and management of the affairs of the APC. Even though 2023, the campaign for the 2023 general election ended since March 2023 and the subsequent inauguration of the President, Governors, and members of the States and National Assemblies the State Exco has bluntly refused to render account for funds that are accrued to the party during the 2022 primary elections. Also, the State Exco has refused, failed, and / or neglected to account for other assets belonging to the Party, including the bus donated to the Party during the 2023 campaigns. Finally, refusal to call for a meeting to examine the fortunes of the Party after the 2023 general elections.

    “7. ARROGANCE:
    The Chairman, Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba, and his Exco have a predisposition of talking down and using uncouth and coarse language on elders and senior members of the party who critics their leadership style in extreme display of unbridled arrogance and haughtiness. For instance, one of the State Exco members recently referred to Chief Okoi Obono-Obla as self-claimed ex presidential aide.

    “It is on record that Chief Obono-Obla was a senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari from April 2016 to 29 May 2019. Failure to activate the Constitutional Organs of the Party in the State. The State Exco led by Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba has deliberately failed, refused, and neglected to activate organs created under the Constitution to enhance internal democracy and fostering of transparency, accountability, smooth administration management of the affairs of the Party and participation of a wide and broad spectrum of the party.

    “8. Over 10,000 bags of Rice donated by Minister of Sports Development under the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration:
    Recently, the Minister of Sports Development donated over 10,000 bags of Rice under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu renewed Hope initiative for distribution to vulnerable people in the state. These bags of rice were handed over to the leadership of the APC in the state.

    “However, the leadership, when pressured to give account on how the rice was distributed, admitted in a letter written to Senator John Owan Eno dated 4 September 2024 by Hon. Emmanuel Edem Inyang, State Publicity Secretary, All Progressives Congress, Cross River State Chapter claimed that 732 bags of rice received, 196 bags were shared to the Ward Chairmen across the State, while 27 bags were shared to Chapter Executive members in each of the 18 Local Government Area Chapter Executive totalling 486 bags and 50 bags to State and Zonal Executive Committee members respectively.

    “This is not despicable and nauseous corruption, which is unbecoming of Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba’s Exco to decide to share these bags of rice only to party bureaucrats and executives rather to the ordinary members of the Party that it was meant.

    “In the light of the above, we pray His Excellency to cause Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba to proceed on suspension until the allegations made against him as encapsulated above is properly investigated or in the alternative a disciplinary proceeding should commenced by the appropriate executive Committee or organ of the Party against him.

    “Accept the assurances of my highest regards.

    “Yours sincerely
    Obol Okoi Obono-Obla.

    “CC:
    Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru,PhD
    National Secretary
    All Progressives Congress
    National Secretariat
    40 Blantyre Cres, Wuse 2, Abuja
    Federal Capital Territory
    Nigeria”.