Disciplinary Action Looms for Former Presidential Aide Over Criticism of Party Chairman and Governor

The Cross River State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced plans to discipline a former presidential aide, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, for his recent call to remove the party’s chairman, Barrister Alphonsus Eba, and the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu.

According to a statement authorized by Eba, the party has disowned Obono-Obla, accusing him of incitement and attempting to divide the party. Obono-Obla had threatened to approach the court to remove Eba over various allegations, including financial mismanagement, factionalization, and violation of party rules.

The allegations against Eba include his alleged use of social media to discredit and attack the leadership style and policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Obono-Obla also accused Eba of stifling internal democracy in the party and mismanaging 10,000 bags of rice meant for vulnerable people in the state.

In a statement, the APC Publicity Secretary, Hon. Edem, accused Obono-Obla of thriving on blackmail and promoting crisis. The party alleged that Obono-Obla became frustrated after his nominees for state and federal appointments did not sail through, and is now trying to tarnish the good image of the party and the governor.

The party also defended Eba’s social media post, which was perceived as an attack on the president, saying it was a passionate appeal made by Eba in his capacity as a citizen and State Party Chairman. The party stated that the post drew the President’s attention to the action of NNPCL and its attendant consequences on the livelihoods and living conditions of Nigerians.

The APC warned that any further insult on the party or the governor from Obono-Obla will attract disciplinary action against him. The party also questioned Obono-Obla’s membership status, stating that he may not be a member of the party according to Article 9 of the APC constitution.

The development has sparked controversy in the state, with many calling for Obono-Obla’s expulsion from the party. The situation remains tense, with both sides refusing to back down.