By Dianabasi Effiong
Leaders and members of the Cross River State Elders Advisory Council from the Northern Senatorial District have reaffirmed their unwavering support for Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s administration.
The elders, operating under the “Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSECF)”, also expressed their disapproval over what they alleged as “irresponsible media outburst” regarding internal party matters by a former State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Alphonsus Eba.
They made this known in a statement on Tuesday signed by seven prominent elders of the district.
The group restated members’ “total commitment and loyalty” to Governor Otu’s administration, adding that they would protect and uphold the government’s progressive intentions.
According to the CRSECF, Eba’s recent public comments, made without consultation, have “embarrassed and ridiculed” the leadership of the senatorial district, the APC, the state, and well-meaning Nigerians.
“The Council dissociates itself from his irresponsible comments regarding an internal APC matter that could have been resolved privately.
“Eba did not consult with the Council, acting solely on his own, and his behavior should not be interpreted as representative of the political leadership of the Northern Senatorial District,” the statement added.
The elders also stated that public office holders should act as stewards of public trust, consulting with constituents and engaging democratically in all decisions.
They stressed that Eba’s actions did not reflect the character of the Northern Senatorial District, which they described as “unique, hardworking, trustworthy, respectful, and peace-loving.”
The CRSECF also appealed to Governor Otu and other party leaders at the state and national levels not to judge the district’s leadership capabilities based on Eba’s conduct.
They passionately requested that the position of State Chairman of the APC be retained within the Northern Senatorial District, adding that there were “credible, sincere, and respectful individuals” capable of leading the party.
“We passionately request that the position of State Chairman of the APC be retained in the Northern Senatorial District,” the statement added.
The statement was endorsed by Prof. John Shiyam (Vice Chairman, North, CRSECF), Dr. Julius Okputu (Secretary, CRSECF), Chief Dr. Tony Undiandeye (Member Elders Advisory Council of CRSECF), Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo (Member Elders Advisory Council of CRSECF), Chief Signor Omang Idiege (Member Elders Advisory Council of CRSECF), Chief Dr. Peter Ojie (Member Elders Advisory Council of CRSECF), and Hon. Chief Boniface Okache (Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor).
The APC is a major political party unveiled on Feb. 6, 2013, from a merger of opposition parties.
It currently holds the presidency of Nigeria and the governorship position in Cross River and in other South-South states, including a significant number of seats in the National Assembly.
