Cross River PDP Holds Post Election Stakeholders' Meeting, Vows To Play Credible Opposition

By Judex OKORO

The Cross River State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has held its first stakeholders' meeting after the Supreme Court Judgement and vowed to remain credible opposition in the interim.

The party stakeholders meeting held at FranFina Hotels, Calabar, was convened by the party governorship candidate and former senator representing the Central senatorial district, Prof. Sandy Onor.

In attended included the state executive committee members, elders of the party including former Deputy Governor, Barr.Efiok Cobham, Authur Jarvis, Mike Ania, Chief Mark Obi, Ntufam Ekpo Okon, the youths, women and support groups.

Addressing supporters, separate speakers agreed that there is a problem in the party and promised to form a credible opposition against the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state.

In his brief remark, Senator Sandy Onor said: "I plead with you all to remain calm. We do understand the situation on ground and do know that there is hunger in the land. But we should be steadfast instead of defecting at this crucial time.

"We know there is hunger in the land and even in APC there is also hunger. There,the grass may not be as green as they think.

"I, therefore, urge everybody to remain calm as we strategies in to reposition the party."

In an angry tone, the former Deputy Governor, HE Efiok Cobham, said: "We have lost and we fought up to the Supreme Court. I advised that we put it behind. Now only our party can give us hope because when there is no hope all is gone.

"It is regrettable that since after the election, no caucus and stakeholders' meeting has been held.How can we know the grievances of our people without meetings? We need the party now more than ever.

"In 1999, PDP had 29 governors and controlled the NASS. So politics is a musical chair. We have been too soft and used to much comfort and having lost, we are now facing hunger.

"We should try and constitute ourselves into credible opposition and that is the only way we can be recognised. 

"We should go back to our wards and hold meetings on how to move forward. We have been too quiet. Now is the time to put away that toga of gentlemen make big noise.

"Now, in APC, fixing of street lights, patching of roads have become a big achievement. We should have our back against the well by giving the credible opposition.

"The leadership should better wake up. They should go back and see how they can take the party again from the ground."

Speaking, Chief Ogban Ebock said: "This is an opportunity to re-organise ourselves. If we swing back, only us can make it possible. The hunger is everywhere even among the ruling party.

"Let us work together so we can achieve success in future. We must be resolute to resist bad governance and intimidation.

"Local government election is coming and we must be determined to participate effectively and resist any attempt to rig in unpopular candidates. 

"Those of us who are not stable should better think twice and sit down and rebuild the party. If the party is peaceful, we can achieve wonders ahead."

On his part, the former SSG, Bar. Mike Ania, said: "It is difficult to stomach defeat but that is the truth. We shall never give up now and realise that we are in opposition. I advise the leadership to help us at the national level by coming together. We should be patient and stay together."

Equally speaking, Dr. Ivon Ettah, a member of Sandy Stronger Together UNICAL chapter, commended Senator Sandy for being courageous and focused. What we need now is how to move forward. 

"We have heard about some of our members apportioning blamed on our leaders for the loss of the election. But that should not be the case. I rather encourage party members that it is not yet over. 

"I advise our leaders to come together and chart a new course. Let us take what happened as God's decision. He called on the Prof. Sandy to try and unite the party for future elections,' he stated.

On his part, Bar Ebaye Akunjom from Ikom, advised the "leadership to liaise with the national leadership and ensure that the party remains united because peace would flow from top to state", saying this is no