The Cross River State Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Peter Agbe Odey (Ph.D.), has officially welcomed Chief Agbe Patrick, Ph.D, a member of the National Executive Council (NEC) representing Cross River State and leader of the South-South NEC Caucus of National Ex-officio of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) along with hundreds of his supporters on Friday.
The Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, represented by the Executive Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Council, Hon. Christopher Agbeh, described Chief Agbe as a “big fish caught at the right time” and urged him and his supporters to fully integrate into the APC with all the party’s structure and ideals.
He assured the defectors that they would enjoy equal rights and privileges within the APC, stressing that the party remains united and without division.
“You are received as full members, not into any subgroup,” Hon. Agbeh stated, urging current members to warmly embrace the newcomers. He also highlighted the significant political experience of Chief Agbe, which would prove invaluable to the party.
In his welcome address, the APC Ward Chairman of Mbube West Ward 1, Mr. Jonas Patrick Achong, expressed relief, stating that the political challenges in his ward were over with Chief Agbe’s defection. He assured that the APC would enjoy peace and unity during future electioneering activities.
The Chapter Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Paul Adinye, expressed his delight over the defection of Chief Agbe, a founding member of the APC in 2014. He noted that Chief Agbe had represented the ACN faction in Cross River State during the merger that marked the formative days of the APC.
Adinye praised the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Agbe Odey, for successfully convincing a high-ranking member of an opposition party to join the APC, describing the move as a boost in experience that would yield positive results in upcoming elections.
The State Chairman of the APC, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, who was represented by the Vice Chairman North, Hon. Emmanuel Ateb, while receiving the decampees, expressed gratitude for the new additions, describing their registration as APC members as an exciting development for the party.
In his defection speech, Chief Agbe reflected on his political journey, explaining that he was returning to the party he had once helped establish. He promised to work towards securing victory for the APC in future elections.
Among those present were the Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Chris Ojikpong; Special Adviser to the Governor on Rice Value Chains, Mr. Emmanuel Anoh; Managing Director of the Cross River State Water Board, High Chief Godwin Nyiam (Ph.D.), State Organizing Secretary of APC, Mr. Joe Ishaje, Assistant Financial Secretary of APC in the State, Mr. Festus Offum Executive Secretary of Ogoja Urban Development Authority, Hon. Ama Agboje; a Commissioner in the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr. Jonas Bullem, Community Relations Officer, Mr. Epass Mgbado and Women Mobilizer, Hon. Agatha Morphy, among others.
The highlight of the event was the formal declaration of Chief Patrick Agbe and his supporters as new members of the APC with the presentation of the party’s insignia.
© Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Calabar
