In Cross River State, there has been a paradigm shift in the political pendulum, and that shift, one could argue, is aimed toward the 2023 general elections – and tempers have begun to flare even though we are in 2021.
For the first time in Cross River State’s history, a sitting governor switched political parties. It is also the first time since 1999 that a party other than the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dominated the state. Governor Ben Ayade, who defected from the PDP to the APC on May 20, 2021, is responsible for this.
Mr Awor Inyang, Chapter Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, has stated that it will be a battle for war and money for money in 2023 as a result of these developments.
Inyang, who claims Akamkpa is 100 percent accurate, This was stated by the APC on Thursday, June 17, 2021, during the defection of Rt. Hon. George O’Ben-Etchi, Cross River State Commissioner for Solid Mineral Development, from the PDP to the APC in Ojuk North Ward, Akamkpa.
“Akamkpa is an APC stronghold. In Akamkpa, one polling unit will remain loyal to the APC. We’ve got the mercenaries, and we’ve got the connections. Inyang stated, “It’s money for money, it’s war for war — God forbid that.”
During Ntufam’s defection, the APC ward chairman did the same in Ojuk South Ward in the same Akamkpa. Former PDP State Chairman John Okon, who defected to the APC, asked those who switched to obey the party’s constitution and not force out old party members.
“Your defection to the All Progressives Congress has given the party more importance and light. While we’re honoring you, it’s important to remember that there must be ground rules – make brother chop, make me follow chop, and don’t let me carry anything.
“I mentioned this because the number of permutations is really big. They are coming to push us away, but as politicians, we will engage in discourse whenever it is necessary.
“Today is not a day for giving speeches, because as soon as you leave here, we are going into the field to perform the needful, and that needful is that Akamkpa is 100 percent APC,” Inyang stated.
On his part, O’Ben-Etchi stated that they (defectors) are not coming to the APC to destabilize the party, but rather to strengthen it.
“We are not come to depose anyone; we are coming to assist the party grow, strengthen, and provide value,” he stated.
Meanwhile, thousands of people defected from the PDP and other political parties to the APC, making it the largest defection in the history of Ojuk North and South wards.
Source: Weetalknaija.com.ng
