APC : Fresh crisis looms in Cross River

Sen. Mathew Mbu Jr., Cross River State Acting State Chairman of APC

Fresh crisis looms in the Cross River State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC  as members of the State Working Committee (SWC) have accused the newly appointed Acting State Chairman, Sen. Mathew Mbu Jr. of orchestrating growing disenchantment and disloyalty among party members in the state.

In a statement signed by all members of the SWC in the state and made available to newsmen, the party executives lamented that the party was lacking the spirit of competitiveness as its prepares for the October 31st Obudu State Constituency and Cross River North senatorial district bye-elections.

According to the statement titled "Bye-election: issues for consideration", Mbu's distance from the SWC, State Executive Committee (SEC) and other legally constituted organs of the party since his appointment in August this year is responsible for the growing disenchantment in the party.

"It is with a sense of responsibility that we write to restate our commitment towards reenacting the competitive spirit of our great party particularly in the light of the forthcoming by-elections in Obudu State Constituency and the Northern Senatorial District of the State.

It would be important to recall that it is this competitive spirit of the Party that enhanced our victory at the re-run elections in Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency early this year.

Unfortunately Sir, that spirit has observably been eroded following the lull in the party activities;giving rise to disenchantment and the attendant widespread disloyalty among members.

It must be stated in unequivocal terms that your distance from the legitimate party organs especially State Working Committee [SWC] and the State Executive Committee [SEC] months after your appointment and subsequent inauguration in August, 2020 as Acting State Chairman has incidentally been the real issue occasioning the aforementioned", the statement reads in part.

It added that "Expectedly, you were to assume office, meet with the relevant constitutionally- mandated organs of the Party and plan the process of ­­­­­­prosecuting the October 31st By-Elections, but alas that is yet to be seen.

We are therefore constrained to write you urging that you meet the State Working Committee/State Executive Committee immediately so as to enable us plan and prosecute the elections process to a successful end.

 Much as we congratulate you once again on your appointment, we  also urge that you accept the assurances of our esteem and co- operation in moving the Party forward".

The statement was signed by Bishop Victor Ebong             State Secretary, Dr. Chris Ojikpong, State Treasurer

Elder Bassey Ita, State Publicity Secretary, Hon. [Mrs.] Esther Bepeh, State Women Leader, Mr. Effiom Ekaha Otu, State Youth Leader, Hon. Eyo Egbai, State Welfare Secretary and Offiong Effanga Okon, State Special [Physically Challenged] Leader.

Other signatories include Mr. Missang Eka, State Financial Secretary, Mr. Williams Asu Mgbe, State Organizing Secretary, Dr. Valentine Eneji, State Vice Chairman (North), Elder Effiom Olory, State Vice  Chairman (South), Vodina Enya, State Vice Chairman( Central) as well as Otuekong Cyril Ene,State Auditor.