By: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
Leaders of various committees constituted for the forthcoming ward and local government congresses of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC), have expressed confidence that the exercise will be peaceful, transparent and successful across Cross River State.
Speaking on arrival at the party secretariat, the Chairman of the Local Government and Ward Congress Committee, Samuel Yanap, said the team immediately began consultations with party leaders and stakeholders to ensure a smooth process.
Yanap urged members to remain law abiding and united, stressing that the party’s mission is focused on transformation at both state and national levels. He expressed optimism that the congress would be conducted peacefully.
He noted that while disagreements may arise in any political process, the party remains committed to reconciliation. According to him, internal mechanisms have been put in place to address grievances, although specific strategies remain within the party’s internal framework. He emphasized unity and called on members to rally behind the leadership of the state governor and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that collective support would strengthen the party’s future.
Yanap also confirmed that his committee comprises seven members.Also addressing journalists, Paul Domseng, Secretary of the Congress Appeal Committee, said the committee had arrived in the state to handle any petitions arising from the congress. He introduced the committee chairman, Honourable Prince Adetokun Bademola.
Prince Adetokun Bademola, Chairman of the Ward and Local Government Congress Appeal Committee, explained that the committee’s mandate is to receive and review complaints from aggrieved aspirants and members. He said the committee would carefully examine appeals and ensure fairness in line with the party’s constitution and guidelines.
Bademola commended the leadership of Cross River State, describing it as peaceful and politically mature. He expressed confidence that the governor’s consultations and reconciliatory efforts would minimize disputes. He also praised ongoing development projects in the state and reiterated support for the administration of President Tinubu.
Similarly, Dr Ike Ukwe, Chairman of the Local Government and Ward Congress Screening Appeal Committee, stated that his three member committee would focus on appeals related to the screening process.
He said the committee was prepared to offer fair hearing to anyone who feels aggrieved, though he expressed hope that disputes would be minimal.
Ukwe described Cross River as a peaceful state and commended the governor, party executives and stakeholders for fostering unity. He assured members that the committee would operate with impartiality and uphold due process throughout its assignment.
In his remarks, Dufan Ekunekok Ojogu, Chairman of the Screening Committee, confirmed that all necessary arrangements had been concluded for a hitch free congress. He disclosed that security agencies, including the police, had been duly notified and deployed across the 18 local government areas to maintain order.
Ntufam Njukogu the APC state Chairman expressed confidence that both the ward and chapter congresses would be conducted successfully and in a peaceful atmosphere.
The various committee chairmen collectively reaffirmed their commitment to transparency, unity and adherence to party guidelines as Cross River prepares for the congresses.
