By Onwa Ekor
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River, Tuesday, unveiled a new State Executive Committee at a well-attended congress held at the main bowl of the U J Esuene Stadium, with the governor, Prince Bassey Otu, throwing his weight behind the new leadership while pledging full government support.
Addressing delegates and party stakeholders, Otu described the congress as “a great day in the lives of Cross Riverians,” noting that the exercise reflected the unity, strength, and maturity of the party in the state.
“We came to consolidate and then move forward,” the governor said, thanking the outgoing executives for their service, assuring them that “you will never walk alone.”
Congratulating the newly elected State Chairman, Hon. Chris Sunny Etta, Otu expressed confidence in his capacity to lead the party successfully.
“Chairman, I want to congratulate you. You have the experience and the humility, and I know you will navigate this course very easily. The support you need from the government, we are there to give you that support,” the governor declared.
He emphasized that the party must sustain its culture of hard work and dedication, commending the Organizing Secretary as an example of commitment. “If we have this kind of hardworking party, then definitely we are going to good places,” he added.
Reaffirming APC’s dominance in the state, the governor said, “There is no other party in this state. It is APC all the way,” assuring members that the administration would continue to deliver the dividends of democracy.
Earlier, the Congress Committee Chairman, Mr. Samuel Yarnap, praised the peaceful conduct of the congress and described Cross River as “a home of peace.”
He urged party members to pursue leadership as a means of serving humanity rather than for personal gain.
The outgoing Acting State Chairman, Mr. Ekum Ekok Ojogu, welcomed dignitaries and expressed optimism that the new executive would steer the party to greater heights.
The congress climaxed with the dissolution of the outgoing State Working Committee and the affirmation of the new executive by delegates, following a voice vote declared with a resounding “The Ayes have it.”
Barr. Emmanuel Akinde subsequently administered the oath of office and oath of allegiance.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. Chris Sunny Etta, thanked delegates for the confidence reposed in him and his team.
“We are going to hit the ground running. We will not disappoint you. We are here to serve and to strengthen the party,” he assured, promising an open-door policy that would give members and stakeholders a listening ear.
The newly inaugurated 36-member State Executive Committee is expected to steer the affairs of the APC in Cross River State, consolidating party unity and positioning it strongly for future political engagements.
