Defection: C’River Federal Lawmakers, Stakeholders Disown Ayade

Federal lawmakers elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State and stakeholders from the state on Friday disowned Governor Ben Ayade, who defected to All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday.

The federal lawmakers vowed never to leave PDP and join the governor in APC, adding that Cross River is home for PDP.

The lawmakers, who said that the governor didn’t consult them before pitching his tent with APC, added that even if they were consulted they wouldn’t have followed him to APC.

The lawmakers disclosed their position in Abuja while addressing newsmen at the PDP Presidential Campaign Office, Legacy House.

The lawmakers present at the event were, Senators Geshon Bassey; Senator Sunday Onor; Hon. Daniel Asuquo; Hon. Bassey Ekpo; Barr. Asuquo Eke; Chris Ngora; Etta Mbora.

While Hon. Jaribe Agom Jaribe was present at the meeting, his contender for the Cross River South senatorial seat, Senator Steve Odey was absent.

Aside from the lawmakers, other PDP stakeholders from the state, who was at the conference were, the former governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke; Jetty Agbi; Anna Enegbeni; Daye Arikpo; Divine Anong Deputy Nat. Auditor

Addressing newsmen on behalf of the lawmakers and other stakeholders, Senator Bassey said “as far as I know, till date the NASS caucus remains intact.

I don’t see any of us leaving. We are legacy members of the party, who have been in this party for the past 15 to 20 years. So the short answer is no, we are not going anywhere.

“We were not consulted and I am not sure a lot of people were consulted.”

Imoke, who spoke earlier on behalf of the party leaders, said the exit of the governor from PDP is regrettable, but that it did not come to them as a surprise as it was not unexpected.

Imoke, who said that the party wishes him well in his new found adventure, added that the people of Cross River State have stood firmly with the PDP since 1999.

He added that other lovers of Cross River State are deeply disappointed by the governor’s move, having won all his elections under the PDP platform.

“An overwhelming majority of Cross River State people are PDP members. Our key stakeholders, members of the National and State Assemblies and Strategic grass-root mobilizers are still members of our great party. We as a party, therefore, remain virile and strong.

“Our shell remains uncracked. The leadership of Cross River state under the aegis of PDP since 1999 has led the state to a pedigree of progression and seen to the attainment of all the lofty achievements the state has been known for.

“Hence, the events of the last 24hours in our State avail us an opportunity to restrategize and realign ourselves with the Sisteninenns of PDP in Cross River state which was characterized by a trajectory of growth and development geared towards the path of greatness.

“We, therefore, enjoin all Cross Riverians and the teeming members of PDP in Cross River State not to falter i in the faith they have in the party.

“While the current events may seem to present a glitch to the progress of the state, we hereby affirm our unwavering commitment towards serving the interest of the good people of Cross River state as we strongly believe that Cross River state shall be great again.”