By Akpan David, Calabar
Another strong call has been made to Barrister Alphonsus Eba to resign as chairman of All Progressives Congress, the ruling party in Cross River State.
Over four months ago, there were series of calls for Eba to resign over several allegations, including high-handedness, financial issues and autocratic leadership.
Eba has been asked to resign alongside his state executive committee to resign for stifling and trampling on the fundamental human rights of APC members in the State.
Former presidential assistant, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla made the call in reaction to the directive signed by the publicity secretary of the party, Emmanuel Edem Inyang on behalf of Alphonsus Eba, banning APC critical stakeholders such as chapter chairmen from convening any meetings.
The directive dated1st September, 2024 said, “No Body should convene any meeting for the purpose of LGA elections until Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission ( CROSIEC ) issues its Notice of Elections which will be Followed by the Party’s Time Table and Guidelines.
“The Governor as Leader of the Party is still awaiting the report of the Constitution of LGA, Senatorial and State caucuses which is currently being verified by the State Executive Committee of the party to ensure inclusivity of major Stakeholders and Gender balance in Consonance with Article 12 :15 (12) of the amended APC Constitution.
“Any such meetings purported to have been held in respect of zoning in any political ward, and LGA is null, void, and of no consequence to the party.
“Only the respective Local Government Area Chapter chairmen / Caucus Leaders in each LGA are empowered to convene any meeting when the time comes.”
The directive further warned that APC leadership will not condone any attempt by anyone to undermine or disrupt the ongoing process to enthrone acceptable candidates of our party for the election.
Reacting, Obono-Obla said the ban is “patently distressing, outrageous, and anti democratic.”
Obono-Obla alleged that “APC has imported the PDP garrison brand or pseudo democracy which brought the country to Nadir.”
“Democracy is all about constructive engagement, consensus building, and dialogue.
‘In a situation where the party would unabashedly trample on the fundamental human rights of members to meet and discuss leaves much to desire.
“This is why most of us were against PDP and its ideology and preferred to be in opposition until 2013 when opposition political parties merged to form APC.
“Sadly, the APC became opportunistic and opened its doors to all manner of political prostitutes and opportunists to swell its ranks and in the process polluting the progressive philosophy and credentials of APC as espoused by its founding fathers,” he said.
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