APC : S/South Chair Kicks As Etim Emerges C'River Chairman

Etim John addressing APC members at the party Secretariat after the election

A former Etung Local Government Chairman, Hon. Godwin Etim John has emerged as the new Chairman of Cross River State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Etim emerged in a mini congress held at the party Secretariat in Calabar on Saturday, February 24.

There have been leadership tussle in the APC since the former state chairman of the party, Usani Usani was appointed Niger Delta Minister. Although his deputy, Sir John Ochalla has been leading the party in acting, there have agitation for a congress to elect a substantial Chairman.

The National Working Committee of the party led by former Ekiti State Governor  Shegun Oni last week intervened and fix today for state Congress to elect a substantive Chairman.

The election was contested between a former permanent Secretary, Dr. Mike Achigbge and the eventual winner Etim.

Announcing the result, the Secretary of the Election Appeal Committee, Chibuike Ogbeama said the former concil boss emerged winner with 56 votes while his rival got 36 votes.

There Was No Congress In Cross River- Eta

However, National Vice Chairman, South South of the party, Ntufam Hilliard Eta has described the congress that produced Etim as null and void, adding that Sir. John Ochala remains at the helms of affairs of the state chapter of the party.

Eta said his position was sequel to an injunction served the party which discontinued the exercise.

According to the party leader, ''once a court order has been served, the parties must resort to status quo until the exhaustion of the litigation process regarding the issue in contention''.

Stating that the issue of filling the position of state chairman of the party had been in contention thus attracting the litigation, Eta however said those celebrating such a nullity as a victory have further exhibited their folly of the law and displayed flagrant disregard for court orders.

''There have again exposed their folly of the law and of due process. It's a caricature of sort that these folks still live with the mentality of their former political platforms''.

He said the development has made a hero of Sir John Ochala saying that by this, he remains to run the affairs of the party till when due process is enthroned.

While describing as shenanigans, the decision of the congress committee to go ahead with the exercise defying the court order he added that the National echelon of the party will not condescend to such illegality and constitutional breach of defying a court order.