The Obanliku chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has released a statement following its loss at the recently concluded by-election between Hon. Achunekang Sunday and Hon Ashakia Pius of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), expressing grave concerns.
The statement reads:
A COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC) SELECTED STAKEHOLDERS’ MEETING HELD ON THE 8TH OF FEBRUARY, 2024 AT CHIEF UKANDI INAKEFE’S RESIDENCE. BUSAFONG, BISU, OBANLIKU
Preambles
Whereas the meeting of the Selected APC Stakeholders across the ten (10) political wards of Obanliku was called by the APC State Legal Adviser, Hon. Barr. Pius Awah and the Cross River State North Senatorial Women Leader, Mrs Janet Inakefe, to review the outcome of the Cross River State House of Assembly re-run election for Obanliku state constituency which was held on the 3rd of February, 2024. And whereas the meeting was well composed, comprising the Chapter Chairman, Chapter Women Leader, Ward Chairmen, Ward Secretaries, Ward Youth Leaders and at least two major stakeholders from each of the ten political wards of Obanliku.
Challenges
There were robust discussions on challenges faced before and during the re-run elections and possible solutions to these challenges proffered.
The following challenges were highlighted:
1. The composition of the Re-run Election Coordinating Committee was faulted because both the chairman and Alternate chairman were from another Local Government other than Obanliku where the elections were taking place. This was viewed to have undermined the several capable, seasoned and responsible leaders in Obanliku.
2. There were no effectively coordinated APC campaign rallies or engagements with the electorates at these polling units before the elections by the Campaign Coordinating Committee for the elections.
3. There was an apparent lack of coordinated leadership to direct operations and activities regarding the elections at the polling units
4. The absence of appointments and strategic empowerment to Obanliku sons and daughters which would have been ready boaster to the capacity of APC Obanliku constituted a challenge.
5. Useful information on the situation on the ground and areas of concern from foot soldiers were ignored by leadership who preferred to depend almost completely on “last-minute magic” rather than being proactive and truly progressive in their approach to these elections.
6. The general economic and security challenges facing the country are interpreted to mean a failure of the APC and vulnerable locals, who constitute the majority of the voters, buy strongly into these narratives.
7. There was no proper planning and execution of election activities
8. It was observed that though there was adequate security on the ground, they appeared compromised in favour of the PDP to the extent that three of our stakeholders, Mr Emmanuel Itile, Albert Itile and Raymond Itile, in Bayaga polling units were arrested and detained for two days on the order of PDP agents
9. There is a poor reward system in APC. There is poor motivation, a lack of intimate and regular social interactions between leadership and the people; lack of regular party meetings.
10. There was suspicion of anti-party activities by some members of our party.
Resolutions
Consequent to these issues raised above, the following resolutions were reached:
i. That henceforth, the House canvasses that Obanliku people should be considered responsible and capable enough to decide their fate.
ii. That the party leadership be advised to be more proactive in planning and execution of future elections taking into cognizance the peculiarities of our people and every election.
iii. That the House appeals to His Excellency our “people first” Governor to consider and reposition Obanliku through strategic appointments, empowerments, social amenities and developmental projects.
iv. That the leadership of the party should up her games in her surveillance on both security and INEC before during and after elections.
v. That leadership at both party and government levels, should improve the internal reward system, strengthen both communication and social ties with the people at the grassroots and build confidence and a sense of belonging in members.
vi. That the House appeals to His Excellency, the “people first” Governor to as soon as possible, conduct Local Government elections which is the closest arm of government to the people. This it is considered will help build a strong base for the party
Conclusion
The House overwhelmingly affirmed APC Obanliku’s support, commitment and loyalty to the leadership of His Excellency, Sen. (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu and the state leadership of the party. The House resolved to not only remain committed members of the APC but to put more effort into making Obanliku a total APC Local Government.
Signatories:
Hon. Barr. Pius Awah
State Legal Adviser
08037487706
Mrs. Janet Inakefe
Zonal Women Leader (North) 08032282522
Pst. George Jikang JP
Chapter Chairman
08035450637
Mr. Agonu Sylvester Ward Chairman, Becheve & Chairman of chairmen
08149761451
Dr. Joseph Ebebe Agba
Secretary/member Member Communiqué Drafting Committee
08036722513
Mr. Emmanuel Itile
Communiqué Drafting Committee 09050792189
Hon. Tony Abaka
Member: Communiqué Drafting Committee
08113133289
