APC Takes Over PDP State Secretariat In Cross River

Governor Ben Ayade is set to give his new political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) a befitting office accommodation to meet the status of the ruling party in the state.

This became evident on Saturday morning as security forces led by the Police were seen guarding the erstwhile PDP secretariat in the state as painters immediately began the painting and cresting of the building with APC colours, logo and flags.

The development happened at the same time Local Government Council chairmen, a National Assembly member and many political appointees in government started registering in good numbers as APC members.

One of the two members of the National Assembly that have decided to follow Governor Ayade, Hon. Mike Etaba, representing, Obubra/Etung Federal Consistency spoke after his registration as APC member in his local ward.

He said, “I am an Ayade foot soldier for all seasons and i will continue to stand with Governor Ben Ayade beyond 2023.

“We must continue to play politics with ethics devoid of violence. The decision of governor Ben Ayade to affiliate with the centre is a smart choice and we will continue to follow who know road for the generality of all Cross Riverians.”

On the issue of the new secretariat for the APC, the local government council chairman of Calabar Municipality, Elder Effefiong Nta Eke noted that the State Governor who was the leader of the PDP decided to defect to the ruling APC for the benefit of the state.

“So the scenario you are seeing here is that the leader has moved to a new party so every component, including the secretariat of the former, must follow the leader to the new.”

Asked if the decision to use the former PDP secretariat for the APC will not breed conflict or violent reactions, he said no, revealing that the governor was paying the rent and when it expired for some time ago, those who claim to be founding members did not contribute a dime until Ayade came and renewed the rent.

According to him, “Ayade is not taking anything belonging to a body. He is taking what belongs to him. He paid the rent so the rent follows him to the APC.”

The police in a statement however disclosed of an attempt by some persons to disrupt the renovation “work going on at a building at No: 142 (a ) along the Muritala Mohammed Highway Calabar.”

The Police statement said, “For the avoidance of doubt the property is a rented property that its “Tenancy” is not in ‘Contention.