BY UKET OKA, Calabar
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River has recorded massive political gains recently as more than 5000 members of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Sunday, formally defected to the ruling party in the state.
This is coming as the planned Local Government Councils’ elections draws nearer in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the PDP defectors, the lead decampee, Ntufam (Dr.) Francis Effiom said the decision was taken in the overall best interest of the state and expressed their readiness to work with all progressive minds in moving Cross River to the next level of socio-economic development and growth.
Effiom specifically said the decision to dump PDP for APC was borne out of their glaring conviction that Governor Otu has performed creditably and also meant well for the state and its peace-loving people.
“We are not joining APC to struggle for positions, rather we are impressed with the great job done by the governor within the spate of just one year,” he said.
Effiom further noted that, “for the governor to dualise two major roads within Calabar Municipal Council Area within just one year is a thing of joy for us,” noting that, “such feat deserves commendation and support to attract more dividends of democracy to their people.”
“What is the joy in playing opposition politics when your brother has proven to you that he means well for the State,” he added.
Effiom, who is also the Managing Director of Life Enhancement Microfinance Bank (LEMfB), stressed that Governor Otu has demonstrated capacity and shown to everyone that Cross Riverians are really in a season of sweetness in accordance with his “People First” agenda.
Receiving the former PDP members into their fold at the Ikot Ansa Town Hall in Calabar Municipality, the State Secretary of APC, Pastor Patrick Asikpo Okon lauded their courage in taking the bold steps to join hands with the state Governor, Prince Bassey Otu, to chart a prosperous future for the state under the “People’s First” agenda.
Okon noted that, “it is heartwarming and comforting that within a short period of one year, Governor Otu’s achievements in office have proven beyond reasonable doubt that where there is a will, no obstacle would remain unconquerable.”
The APC State Secretary acknowledged that the tough battle fought by the PDP members during the 2023 elections clearly proved they are no underdogs but a force to reckon with in the game of politics, promising that, their huge political capital would not be ignored or undermined within the APC family.
Okon further assured them that APC has the capacity to accommodate everybody, stressing that, “the broom party’s doors remain open at all times to embrace everyone because there is no nomenclature as new or old member in their fold.”
He promised that their willingness to support the current administration in the state would be greatly rewarded with more people-oriented projects and policies meant to decisively fight poverty and improve Cross Riverians’ sta
