The Organizing Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Mr. Joseph Ishaje, on Saturday, welcomed hundreds of defectors from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC at a lively and well-attended event in Ogboja, Urban Ward 2, Ogoja Local Government Area.
In his address, Mr. Ishaje praised the defectors for their bold decision to dump the PDP and join the APC, noting that the ruling party offers equal opportunities and privileges to all members, regardless of how long they have been with the party.
Ishaje, describing the lead defector, Mr. Emmanuel Idris’s defection as a “big catch” for the APC in Ogoja Urban Ward II, he expressed optimism that the new members would be fully included in the party’s programs and activities, in line with Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s ‘People First’ mantra. He commended the deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey and the State Chairman of the APC, Alphonsus Eba, Esq for their support in ensuring the success of the ceremony.
The Chairman of APC in the ward, Mr. Sampson Araba, reassured the defectors that they would enjoy the same benefits as existing members and urged them to prioritize the party’s interests over personal agendas.
Speaking earlier, Mr. Emmanuel Idris, the lead defector, cited Governor Otu’s purposeful leadership and expressed his deep admiration for the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, as the primary reasons for his decision to leave the PDP alongside his supporters. He highlighted the Governor’s numerous developmental projects across the state and expressed gratitude for the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, whom he described as one of the ‘Most Accessible and Supportive Deputy Governors in Nigeria’.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Chris Ojikpong, Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor, congratulated Mr. Idris and his supporters for dismantling the PDP structure in Urban Ward II and joining forces with the APC. He commended the unity and focus of the party leadership in the ward, which has led to the weakening of the PDP in the ward.
Ojikpong called on the people of Ogoja and Cross River State, regardless of party affiliation, to support the ‘People First’ administration’s efforts to create a better Cross River, noting the state’s ongoing infrastructural improvements.
Concluding, Dr. Ojikpong conveyed good wishes from the Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey to Mr Emmanuel Idris and his supporters, and assured the new addition to the party of Governor Otu’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of all Cross Riverians, regardless of their political affiliations.
Highpoint of the event, was the presentation of party insignia (flags, broom and membership cards to Mr Idris and his supporters by the State Organizing Secretary, Mr. Joseph Ishaje, on behalf of the State Party Chairman, Alphonsus Eba.
The event was graced by Head of Protocol to the Deputy Governor, Mr Modey Ugbuji, former Chairman of Ogoja Council, Hon. Emmanuel Ishabor, Personal Assistant to the Deputy Governor, Mr Ukpor Morphy, Executive Secretary of Ogoja Urban Development Authority, Hon. Amah Aboje and Director General of Prince and Peter Advocates, Mr John Odey as well as former and serving government appointees, Chapter Exco, Ward Excos and party faithfuls, among others.
