BREAKING... C'River PDP Chieftains, Hundreds of Supporters Defect To APC In Ward Eight In Calabar Municipality
Ndifereke BASSEY
The defection galore has continued in Cross River state as some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains and hundreds of their supporters have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in ward Eight in Calabar Municipality. Leading the pack include Comrade Bernard Iso and Francis Effiom.
Speaking at the defection venue, Nkonib Town Hall Ikot Ansa on Sunday, Bernard Iso, a former PDP faithful, said: " We are moved to defect to APC because of the good works of Governor Bassey Otu.
The construction of NNPC road and rehabilitation of Asimita Street are key factors that necessitated our move to APC.
"Over the years, the highest political office we got as a ward is leader of council and a commissioner. For about 23 years, we have always been marginalised by PDP.
"So, we have come to join hands with others to continue the good works of Gov. Bassey Otu and his good works.
"We pledge to abide by all the tenets of APC constitution. So, judge us by what we can bring into the party.
"Our ward has always churned out large votes for PDP. We are the strong hold of PDP. But now it can no longer be a strong hold because we will deliver APC in the next election."
Another defector, Ntufam Francis Okon Effiom, said: "Ward 8 has benefited from Otu's project. So,we need to back him up.
"We are coming to add value to the party. We have quality, we have delivery and we can think.
We are coming back to work with our brothers who left earlier," Welcoming the defectors in APC, the Director General of State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Pastor James Anam, said: " I am delighted that today we have received some PDP heavy weights in ward 8 into APC.
The experience we had in the last election we will not have it again.
I am glad to have all of you. "Bear in mind that APC is party with a difference because we have a leader with good heart and vision for the state. Very soon we will go into local government election.
"But know that election is game and nobody owns it. What we will ensure is that we will win and take over the council.
Everybody has equal rights in APC from the day you entered. "I use this forum to call on all chairmanship aspirants to campaign objectively and fairly without running anybody down.
All aspirants should work together and see how we can conquer.
We hope God will give us a better charman that will take care of the people of Calabar Municipality."
Speaking, the Caucus Charman and chapter chairman of APC Calabr Municipality, ,Emmanuel Mbora, said: "Today is a great day for us as we come out to receive our brothers from PDP.
"From today, they have equal rights with all of us. So, we must show them love. I hereby receive all defectors and enjoin them to work for the progress of APC ahead of local government election."
Some dignatories present include some state party officers, chapter and ward executives, top party members including Comrade Iso Edim, Mr. Bassey Effiom, Antigha, former chapter chairman of PDP, Chief Jonathan and Ntufam Ikpeme Edem.
