Calabar — Senior officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State have commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for what they described as his “non-interference” throughout the party’s recent leadership crisis, which culminated in the impeachment of the former state chairman, Alphonsus Ogar Eba NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
The commendation was led by Engr. Kelvin Njong, Chairman of APC Boki and Chairman of the APC Chapter Chairmen’s Forum, who addressed journalists at the APC State Secretariat in Calabar shortly after the inauguration of the new Acting Chairman, Ntufam Ekum Ekok Ojogu.
Njong said the Governor allowed the internal democratic process to run its full course despite pressure from different political interests. He emphasised that the impeachment move began and was sustained by the party’s grassroots structures, particularly the 18 Chapter Chairmen and 196 Ward Chairmen.
“We are using this opportunity to thank His Excellency the Governor for not interfering in the decision of the people,” Njong stated.
“The people started the fight from the beginning and we have ended it today.”
According to him, the petitioners had taken their complaints to the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, insisting that the issues leading to the impeachment—including alleged misappropriation of funds, high-handedness, and the prolonged shutdown of the party secretariat—required urgent attention.
Njong added that the Governor’s neutrality ensured that the process remained credible and prevented internal tensions from escalating.
The newly inaugurated Acting Chairman, Ntufam Ojogu, also reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Otu, describing him as a leader committed to peace, stability, and the “People First” governance philosophy.
Ojogu called for reconciliation across all party strata and pledged to restore full administrative functionality and settle outstanding entitlements owed to party members.
The change in leadership was formalized through a motion of impeachment moved by the duo of Hon Okara Ekawu, APC Cross River State Welfare Secretary and Dr Mathew Egom, APC Cross River State Treasurer.
The APC State Secretariat, which had been shut for nearly three months due to internal wrangling, was officially reopened following the leadership change.
