Senior political figures from the Northern Senatorial District of Cross River State have issued a strong rebuke against a former state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alphonsus Eba. The elders have distanced themselves from his recent public comments on party affairs, labelling them as inappropriate and unrepresentative.
Elders Council Dissociates Itself from Controversial Remarks
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Cross River State Elders Advisory Council for the Northern District expressed clear disapproval. The statement, issued under the banner of the Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSECF), was signed by seven prominent leaders from the area. They stated that Eba's public intervention caused significant embarrassment to both party leaders and the wider political community.
The council emphasised that the former chairman made his comments without any prior consultation with them. They argued that the issues he raised were internal party matters that should have been resolved through established, private channels instead of being aired publicly. "The Council dissociates itself from his comments on an internal APC matter that ought to have been resolved privately," the statement read. It further clarified, "At no point did he consult with the leadership of the Council before making these public remarks."
Reaffirmation of Support for Governor Otu and Call for Unity
Beyond the criticism, the elders used the platform to strongly reiterate their backing for the state's governor, Bassey Edet Otu. They pledged their "total commitment and loyalty" to his government and its policy direction. The council also made a pointed appeal to Governor Otu and senior APC officials at both state and national levels. They urged them not to judge the entire Northern Senatorial District based on the actions of a single individual.
The statement highlighted the district's commitment to peace, internal dialogue, and collective decision-making. It stressed that public office holders have a duty to act as stewards of public trust, which includes consulting widely with stakeholders and settling disputes through democratic, internal party processes.
Stake in Party Leadership and Appeal for Cohesion
The elders' declaration also touched on the sensitive topic of the APC's leadership structure within Cross River State. They made a case for the position of state party chairman to remain within the Northern Senatorial District. The statement argued that the area boasts numerous credible and experienced individuals capable of unifying the party and providing effective leadership.
"We respectfully request that the position of State Chairman of the APC be retained in the Northern Senatorial District," the elders stated. They added that the district is home to "credible, sincere and respectful individuals" fit for the role.
Among the signatories to the statement were notable figures including Prof John Shiyam, the vice-chairman (North) of CRSECF; Dr Julius Okputu, the forum's secretary; and Hon Chief Boniface Okache, who serves as the deputy chief of staff to Governor Otu. The elders concluded by affirming their continued support for efforts that maintain party unity and ensure political disagreements are managed through consultation, not public confrontation.
