By Joe Ephraim, Calabar
All Progressives’ Congress(APC) in Cross River State has inaugurated a new State Executive Committee, with Governor Bassey Otu cautioning that managing party affairs “is not going to be a tea party.”
Speaking at the State Congress, Governor Otu underscored the challenges of leadership, reminding party members that handling people and party structures requires patience, discipline, and teamwork.
“Managing human beings and managing parties is not easy. It is not going to be a tea party,” the governor said. “But I believe the delegates have carefully chosen people suited for this time of consolidation.”
He described the congress as a defining moment in the political trajectory of Cross River State, saying it demonstrated unity, strength, and a shared commitment to progress. Otu also assured the newly elected executives of government support, while stressing the need for justice, diligence, and internal discipline to sustain the party’s dominance.
The well-attended congress, supervised by a national committee from Abuja alongside INEC officials, brought together delegates, stakeholders, councilors, and party faithful from across the state. Motions for the dissolution of the outgoing State Working Committee and the affirmation of new executives were unanimously adopted by voice vote.
Chairman of the State Congress Committee, Samuel Yarnap, who led the delegation from the party’s national headquarters, commended the level of organization and unity in the state, describing Cross River as “a home of peace.” He urged leaders to reflect on their legacy and to prioritize service over personal gain.
Following the dissolution of the outgoing executives, Hon. Chris Sunny Etta emerged as State Chairman alongside other members of the State Executive Committee. The newly elected officers were sworn in after taking the oath of allegiance and oath of office in line with the party’s constitution.
In his acceptance speech, Etta pledged to “hit the ground running,” promising inclusive leadership and an open-door policy for resolving grievances within party structures.
The congress also featured a strong endorsement for Governor Otu and his deputy ahead of the 2027 elections. Hon. Princess Magdalene Ekpe, Leader of the 8th Akamkpa Legislative Assembly and Chairman of the Councillors Forum, moved a motion backing the governor’s re-election bid, citing what she described as inclusive governance and support for councilors.
The motion was seconded and adopted amid cheers from delegates, concluding the congress on a note of renewed unity and political consolidation.
