PDP Defectors Applaud Gov Otu’s ‘Peoples First’ Agenda In C-River

• Our administration performing, making people smile – APC 
• As opposition insists LG polls will prove a shocker

BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – With all eyes fixed on the planned Local Government Councils’ elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State at the weekend made political gains as more than 5000 members of People Democratic Party (PDP) members formally defected to the State ruling party.

Receiving the former PDP members into their fold at Ikot Ansa Town Hall in Calabar Municipal Council Area, the State Secretary of APC Pastor Patrick Asikpo Okon applauded their courage in taking the bold steps to join hands with the Governor Bassey Otu-led APC administration to chart a prosperous future for the state under the “People’s First” agenda.

Pastor Okon said it is heartwarming and comforting that within a short period of one year, Governor Otu’s achievements in office have proven beyond reasonable doubt that where there is a will, no obstacle would remain unconquerable.

He acknowledged that the tough battle fought by the PDP members during the 2023 elections clearly proved they are no underdogs but a force to reckon with in the game of politics, promising that their huge political capital would not be ignored or undermined within the APC family.

Also assuring them that APC has the capacity to accommodate everybody, Pastor Okon said the broom Party’s doors remain open at all times to embrace everyone because there is no nomenclature as new or old member in their fold.

He promised that their willingness to support the current administration in the State would be greatly rewarded with more people-oriented projects and policies meant to decisively fight poverty and improve Cross Riverians’ standard of living.

Speaking on behalf of the PDP defectors, Ntufam Dr Francis Effiom said the decision was taken in the overall best interest of the State and expressed their readiness to work with all progressive minds in moving Cross River forward to the next level of socio-economic development and growth.

Ntufam Effiom specifically said the decision to dump PDP for APC was borne out of their glaring conviction that Governor Out has performed creditably and means well for the State and its peace-loving people.

He said; “We are not joining APC to struggle for positions, rather we are impressed with the great job done by the governor within the spate of just one year”

Ntufam Effiom further said for the governor to dualise two major roads within Calabar Municipal Council Area within just one year is a thing of joy to them, noting that such feat deserves commendation and support to attract more dividends of democracy to their people.

Hear him; “What is the joy in playing opposition politics when your brother has proven to you that he means well for the State.

According to Ntufam Effiom, who is also the Managing Director of Life Enhancement Microfinance Bank (LEMfB), Gov Otu has demonstrated capacity and shown to everyone that Cross Riverians are really in a season of sweetness in accordance with his “People First” agenda.

Meanwhile, with no official response coming from the PDP on the defection of its members, Party’s insiders said there is no cause for alarm as the planned Local Government Councils’ elections would prove which party has the grassroot base and support in Cross River.

A top chieftain of the main opposition party, who preferred anonymity because he has no endorsement to speak officially, described the so-called defection as a ‘charade’ put together to boost APC’s faltering image occasioned by the current suffering it has inflicted on Nigerians.