Grassroots Confidence Soars as Barr. Gilbert Agbor Leads APC to Seamless Ward Congress
Grassroots confidence in the All Progressives Congress (APC) has soared in Etomi community and across Etung Local Government Area following the peaceful and seamless conduct of the party’s just-concluded Ward Congress, a development widely attributed to the pragmatic and transparent leadership of Barr. Gilbert Agbor, Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Asset Management and Recovery.
The Congress in Etomi Ward was described as historic for being completely trouble-free, a first in the ward’s political history. Stakeholders say the calm atmosphere and spirit of unity that characterized the exercise reflect a new standard of internal democracy anchored on inclusion and open communication.
Mr. Asu Collins Bassey, a rising political figure and Supervisor for Agriculture in the Etung Executive Council, praised Barr. Agbor for what he termed “capacity without measure,” noting that his leadership style has instilled confidence and alignment among party faithful.
“His transparency and communication have helped us in Etomi, Etung and Cross River at large to feel secured, aligned and confident in our direction,” Bassey said.
He emphasized that Agbor’s guidance and ideology ensured that everyone was carried along throughout the Ward Congress process, preventing the rancour and divisions that previously characterized similar exercises.
According to Bassey, Agbor’s active mentorship and empowerment of young people have strengthened grassroots participation and ownership within the party structure.
“The streets are reverberating ‘Barrister Gilbert! Barrister Gilbert!’ because of his inclusion of young people in decision-making and governance. He is teaching youths to identify problems, develop solutions and take responsibility for their future,” he added.
Party members also commended Agbor’s proactive approach to keeping stakeholders informed at every stage, describing it as refreshing and empowering.
Observers say the seamless Ward Congress has reinforced trust in the party’s leadership at the grassroots and strengthened unity within the APC in Etomi and Etung at large. With renewed enthusiasm and cohesion among members, many believe the outcome signals a more stable and inclusive political culture moving forward.
The Etomi APC Ward executives include: Abang B. Itafu as Chairman; Ekuri Collins Amba - Vice Chairman; Franklin Ekuri – Ward Secretary; Cyril Tabe O – Assistant Secretary; Patrick Agbor O. – Treasurer; Emmanuel Effa – Ward Assistant Treasurer; Emmanghe Takim – Financial Secretary; Miracle Ojong Eju – Assistant Financial Secretary; Etim Akam – Organising Secretary; Patrick O. Asu – Assistant Organising Secretary; Akam Basil Bissong – Publicity Secretary; Eric Ndifon Egbe – Assistant Publicity Secretary; Rosemary Oru Atim – Welfare Secretary; Oru Helen Mbua – Assistant Welfare Secretary.
Others are Rosemary O. Emanghe – Woman Leader; Tangban Theresa – Assistant Woman Leader; Asu Williams Ngon – Youth Leader; Takon Etta Takon – Assistant Youth Leader; Egai Odey – Special Leader; Odey Njom – Assistant Special Leader; Paul Egbe – Ward Auditor; Ekuri Ekip Amba — Assistant Auditor; Ndep Etta Takon – Ex-Officio; Imam Edet – Ex-Officio 2; George Imbufe – Ex-Officio 3; and Blessing Eju – Ex-Officio 4
