By Magnus Effiong,
At least thirty socio-political groups, under the platform of APC Support Groups /Concerned Youths of Cross River state have stormed the State Secretariat of the party in Calabar, demanding the immediate suspension of Senator John Owan Enoh over what they described as anti-party activities.
The groups also demanded the removal of Senator Owan-Enoh’s from the Presidential Campaign Council, alleging that the Senator was may working for the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who hails from same local government area as Senator Owan Enoh.
Their position was contained in a communiqué signed by leaders of the support groups, including Beatrice Otu of ‘It Must Be,’ support group, Joy Esuabanga of ‘Grassroots Development Front,’ Edet Honesty of APC Concerned Students, amongst others.
The communiqué which was dated November 17, 2022 and titled ‘A Call for the Immediate Suspension of Senator John Owan Enoh, said despite a Federal High Court judgement of October 24, 2022 affirming Sen Bassey Edet Otu as the authentic candidate of the APC in the State, Senator Owan Enoh had remained adamant and had taken the issue to the Appealate Court.
The communiqué read in part “This brazen show of desperation is causing too much damage to our Party, especially in view of the forthcoming general elections. We are forced to believe that, Sen. John Owan Enoh is hiding under the guise of seeking court redress to play anti-party politics in support of his kinsman who’s the flag bearer of the Peoples’ Democratic Party.”
“May we, at this point, respectfully refresh your memory of the activities of Sen. John Owan Enoh in the 2019 General Elections where he contested as a factional candidate against Pastor Usani Uguru Usani, a precedent, if not cautioned by the Party, is likely to play out.
“The candidacy of Sen. Prince Bassey Otu gives the APC a rollercoaster ride to victory because of his amiable personality, qualities, pedigree, statewide love and admiration, popularity, sagacity and clear blueprints which sets him far ahead of his rivals. His name rings with goodwill and reception across the State and beyond. We can’t be silent and allow someone pillage our commonwealth.”
In its prayers, the group said: “In line with Article 20(10) of APC Constitution, we call for the immediate suspension of Sen. John Owan Enoh as a member of APC in Cross River State as it is evidently clear that he is working against the Party.
“We call for a later expulsion of Sen. John Owan Enoh from the APC Cross River State if he fails to refrain from his anti-party activities. We call for Sen. John Owan Enoh removal from the presidential campaign Council with immediate effect.
“Finally, we call on our Party leadership in the State to as a matter of urgency direct all Party aspirants as they were and members who are in Court to withdraw their cases and submit to the internal party mechanisms as set up by our ebullient and people oriented Party Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Eba.”
Addressing the group, the Deputy State Chairman of the party, Mr. Eka Williams, said “We have seen your letter, we will digest it and ensure that action is taken. We in Cross River State are known to be people who are hospitable and peaceful.
“The party frowns very seriously with all our members who are still in court and I assure you that your letter will be given proper and prompt response it deserves. From the feelers I have across the state, I can say boldy that our gubernatorial candidate, Ntufam Sen. Prince Bassey Otu will become the next governor of our state.”
