The All Progressives Congress, APC, Obubra chapter, has accused the Chief of Staff (CoS) to the Governor of Cross River State, Mr Emmanuel Ironbar; the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh; the Commissioner for Lands, Chief Francis Ekpenyong and others for unduly interfering in the internal affairs of the Party, especially as regards political appointments in the local government area NEGROIDHAVEN can report authoritatively.
This was indicated in a communique signed by leaders of the Party in Obubra chapter after their meeting, and made available to journalists on Monday.
While they pledged their total loyalty and support to the state governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, the party members seriously frowned at what they described as “the continuous external influence and intrusion on the matters that concern Obubra. The persons behind the nefarious acts/ activities are the following: The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Anthony Owan Enoh; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Emmanuel Ironbar; Commissioner for Lands, Chief Francis Ekpenyong(Orator); Prince Ntui Ogar (Ahmed); High Chief Higgings Peters.
“Conclusively, the party wishes to affirm her loyalty and commitment to the leadership of His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State and the entire leadership of APC in Cross River State.”
When contacted on phone by our reporter to get his reaction on the accusation, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Emmanuel Ironbar, said, “I don’t know what they are talking about. I am not from Obubra so I cannot influence their appointment. I’m not the governor. It’s the governor that makes appointment. And the governor does not make appointment without liaising with some leaders, as far as Obubra is concerned.”
On his part, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, who also reacted via phone, said he has not been able to influence appointment, “apart from one appointment which is in the Cocoa Allocation Committee in Etung local government.”
Meanwhile, effort to speak with other persons mentioned in the communique proved abortive as at the time of filing this report.
Those in attendance at the meeting when the communique was written are as follows:
1. Chief Alexander Irek
2. Chief Ernest Irek
3. Hon. Etaba Etaba
4. Deacon Dennis Egor (Chapter Chairman)
5. Joseph Eyaba(Chapter Secretary)
6. Erong Igwe Abeng(State Officer)
7. Hon. Fabian Okpa
8. Bishop Christopher Obasse
9. Solomon Ekam
10. Dr. Agara Bassey Tom
11. Leonard Ogwa
12. Dr. Friday Aje Ovat
13. Jimita Adomi
14. Dr. Atan Egor Obeten
15. Raymond Inaku
16. Hon. Mike Etaba (took apologies)
