By Onwa Ekor
For issues surrounding alleged embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, high handedness and non payment of stipends to party officials, the Cross River Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Barr Alphonsus Eba, has been impeached.
The impeachment follows a motion moved, Thursday, at the party Secretariat in Calabar, by the State Welfare Secretary, Okara Ekawu and seconded by the State Treasurer, Dr Matthew Egom.
In a communique signed and released by members of the State working committee, officials, including chapter executives and stakeholders among others, shortly after the impeachment, they noted that the removal of Eba from office followed due process after thorough investigations of the allegations levelled against him and in line with policies aimed at strengthening the party in the state.
The communique ordered Eba to hand over all party properties in his possession to the acting chairman, in order to facilitate the smooth running of the party, pending the decision of the National Executive Committee.
It would be recalled that Forum of APC Chapter Chairmen in the state had demanded the removal of Eba, over allegations of embezzlement, misconduct, and misappropriation of party funds, as well as the non-payment of over three months stipends to party officials at the chapter and ward levels.
They further accused him of actions that have crippled party operations and worsened the welfare of officials across the state.
The Forum Chairman, Kelvin Nyong, informed that no previous party chairman had withheld stipends meant for chapters and wards officials, describing Eba’s recent conduct as worrisome and unbecoming.
Nyong who is the APC Chapter Chairman of Boki local government area, also accused Eba of inciting divisions within the party by turning ward and chapter officials against their local leadership, an act he pointed out, contravenes Sections 21:2(ii & v) of the APC .
The party leadership and supporters reaffirmed their unflinching loyalty and support to the governor, Prince Bassey Otu and his people’s First mantra, stressing the need for a united and peaceful party in the state.
