Cross River Elders Distance Themselves From Eba’s Comments

A group of elders from the Northern Senatorial District in Cross River State has distanced itself from recent comments made by Alphonsus Eba, a former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. Acting under the Cross River State Consultative Forum, the elders described Eba’s remarks as personal views that do not represent the district’s position. They reiterated their support for Governor Bassey Edet Otu and his administration.

In a statement signed by seven elders, the forum expressed concern that Eba’s comments on internal party matters were issued without consulting relevant stakeholders. The council said it was unaware of the remarks before they were published and would have preferred that such issues be addressed through internal party mechanisms. The elders emphasized the importance of consultation, dialogue, and collective decision‑making in political affairs.

The statement appealed to Governor Otu and APC leaders at both state and national levels not to judge the leadership capacity of the Northern Senatorial District based on the actions or statements of a single individual. It also urged the party to retain the APC State Chairman position in the district, noting the presence of qualified and credible individuals capable of providing effective leadership. The elders reaffirmed their loyalty to the Otu administration and pledged continued support for policies and programs aimed at the development of Cross River State.

The document was signed by prominent elders, including Prof. John Shiyam, Vice Chairman (North) of the CRSECF, and Hon. Chief Boniface Okache, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor. This development follows the APC National Working Committee’s summons of Eba two weeks earlier, after his removal by the State Executive Committee over allegations of financial recklessness. Thirty of the thirty‑two SEC members voted no confidence in him, and APC National Legal Adviser Murtala Kankia directed Eba to appear before the national leadership. The situation underscores ongoing internal dynamics within the APC in Cross River State, with the elders’ statement aiming to clarify their position and reinforce support for the current administration.