Defection Galore in Cross River, Ebonyi As Political Bigwigs Dump parties In Search of Survival
By Judex OKORO
Nigerian politicians have become synonymous with defections. Politicians cross carpeting from one party to another, depending on which party is in power at national or state levels of governance, have become a norm in our political system. After every general election, politicians defect at the drop of a hat. The defectors seem to be at the end of ones rope having seen their party lose election. They are like a fish out of water.they are in search of survival amid economic downturn.
Since the emergence of President Bola Tinubu-led administration at national and subsequent emergence of new helmsmen at the various states, defection has become the sing song. The defection could be because of internal party divisions, a falling-out with some party members, penchant for political power or just to climb on the bandwagon.
Analysts see this crisscrossing from one party to another, at every slightest opportunity, as a crying shame because the defectors see the ruling party as safe bed for survival as well as want to be back in circulation. According to the analysts, these defectors see the political space as all systems go and all for the good. In other words, there are no hard and fast rules about politicking neither should there be hard feelings after every electioneering.
Cross River state is not an exception. Checks by THE BEAGLE NEWS showed that at the present time, thousands of prominent politicians, party members and followers from Bakassi, Calabar South, Municipality, Odukpani, Biase, Ikom, Obubra, Etung, Obudu, Yala, Ogoja and Bekwarra local government areas have officially defected from PDP to APC or from APC to PDP. They are still others discreetly romancing with government of the day and don’t want to be seen as having defected because they want to be neither here nor there.
Defecting from the opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All progressives Congress(APC), the former chairman of Yala local government area, Hon.Mike Usibe, said the need to support Governor Bassey Out-led administration is fundamentally imperative for the overall progress of the state.
Usibe, who feels there should be no hard feelings after every election in a press release dated February 12, 2024, described the move as a "product of choice and conviction, driven by the need to support a government whose vision and programmes are tailored towards moving Cross River state forward.
"Today, there is a significant shift in the thought pattern and attitude of Cross Riverians due to the leadership the governor and his team. His leadership is influencing people. The decision to join the APC is anchored on my believe in Prince Bassey Otu's democratic credentials. In the recent re-run elections in Obanliku and Yala state constituencies, the stakes for the APC were considered high. Yet, the governor against all temptations chose not to influence the process. It is a strong testament to commitment to democracy that we cannot and should not wish away even in the face of tempting partisan pressures," Usibe stated.
The Igede-born politician, who was the chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Cross River during his stint as Yala council boss, spoke glowingly of the present administration's commitment to agricultural revolution, transparency and good governance, multi-sector policies, infrastructural development, urban renewal, gender equality environmental sustainability, productive workforce, quality health care system, urban-rural linkages, inclusiveness and social justice, enjoined Cross Riverians to see his movement to the APC as "joining hands to build the Cross River state of our dreams," boasting "I am truly a party man."
Also dumping PDP for APC, the former two-term People Democratic Party (PDP) member of the Cross River State House of Assembly (CRSHA), Rt Hon. Effa Esua, cited the desire to heed the call of the governorship candidate of PDP, Sen. Prof. Sandy Onor, and that of his constituents to support the governor in the interest of the state, as his reasons for joining the ruling party.
Esua, who served as Leader of the House in his second term, resigned officially from PDP at his ward 3 a few months back and was received by APC supporters and the leadership at a defection rally on April 1, 2024, at Ediba ground, Calabar Municipal, Cross River State.
He said: "I was with Prof. Sandy Onor, of the PDP as you know, and the matter went up to the Supreme Court, and he (Sandy) wrote and congratulated Otu and urged us to support the governor of the state, Senator Bassey Edet Otu.
"Also, some of my people felt that it was time we moved to see how we can be useful to our people. The governor is somebody I had known while we were all in the same party, the PDP at the time. It's a matter of reuniting with some of my old friends."
On what he has to offer to the ruling part, he said: "What I would take to the party is integrity. I don't know how to back-stab, I didn't abandon the PDP when I was needed. So, nobody can accuse me of abandoning my party neither can you accuse me of having supported somebody and back-stabbed, No! I don't do that.
"When I believe in a course, I fight it to the end. I stood with Prof. Sandy, and there's no doubt about that, from when he won the PDP Primaries to the state level, when God decided otherwise. Life goes on and people must move on. There's going to be this movement from party to party," he said.
On the way forward and the expectations that lies ahead, he said: "If Prof. Sandy had won the election, the ultimate aim would have been that of development. Now that it's the turn of Senator Otu, whatever little contribution we have is also needed on the table for the state to move forward.
"The Governor has started doing well in the area of roads' rehabilitation that were abandoned. Things are beginning to be okay. So, we hope that all hands must be on deck and with God he will be able to do better."
He however, expressed gratitude to the PDP for the opportunities it afforded him, and by adhering to established protocols and procedures, promising to continue to uphold the integrity of the political process and respect for both his former party and the party he is joining.
However, in a surprise move to an opposition PDP in the state, an APC chieftain and former Governor Ben Ayade's aide, Comrade Afuo Ogbaji Joseph, and others have from the Cross River north senatorial district at Ogoja defected on March 30, 2024. Joseph (a.k.a OGB), who hails from Ugboro ward in Bekwarra local government area of the state, said the ruling APC in the state has failed to deliver the dividends of democracy as promised during electioneering.
He further said: "As a dedicated member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), my decision to defect to the People's Democratic Party (PDP) stems from a careful consideration of several critical factors that have progressively eroded my confidence in the APC's ability to effectively govern and represent the interests of the people.
"Despite the initial promises of change and reform, the APC has fallen short in delivering on its core policy objectives. Key sectors such as the economy, health care, education, and infrastructure have witnessed stagnation or regression, indicating a lack of coherent policy direction and implementation.
"The governance style of the APC-led administration has been characterised by a lack of transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness. Decision-making processes often appear opaque, with limited consultation and engagement with stakeholders, thereby undermining democratic principles and fostering a sense of disenchantment among the populace.
"The APC's approach to governance has raised concerns about the erosion of democratic values and institutions. Instances of executive overreach, disregard for the rule of law, and suppression of dissenting voices have become increasingly prevalent, posing a threat to the foundations of our democratic system.
"The APC's policies have failed to adequately address the pressing issues of social justice and equity, exacerbating existing inequalities and marginalizing vulnerable segments of society, leading to growing sense of disillusionment among ordinary citizens who feel neglected and marginalised by the government's elitist agenda."
Continuing, he said: "My decision to defect to the PDP is also informed by ethical considerations regarding the conduct of some APC leaders and members. Instances of corruption, impunity, and ethical breaches within the party have tarnished its image and credibility, necessitating a reevaluation of my political allegiance.
"In contrast to the APC's shortcomings, the PDP presents a compelling alternative with a vision for inclusive governance, economic prosperity, social justice, and respect for democratic norms. The PDP's commitment to grassroots participation, diversity, and consensus-building resonates with my values and aspirations for a better Nigeria.
"I believe that the PDP, with its track record of fostering democratic ideals and prioritising the welfare of the people, is better positioned to address the multifaceted challenges facing our nation. Its emphasis on citizen-centric leadership, participatory governance, and respect for the rule of law aligns with my vision for a progressive and prosperous Nigeria."
Joseph, who promised to work and rebuild PDP, especially in the north senatorial district, said:"I am confident that by aligning myself with the PDP, I can contribute meaningfully to the realisation of our shared aspirations for a brighter future."
Ayim, Ogba set to cripple PDP in Ebonyi
The story is the same in Ebonyi state as political bigwigs including the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim,the former PDP member, Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Livinus Makwe and LP Deputy Governorship Candidate in the 2023 General Elections, Prince Igwe Nwabueze, all from Ivo local government area, former governorship aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the last 2023 general election, Senator Obinna Ogba, Obinna Nwachukwu and thousands of loyalists have dumped their parties for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In their separate speeches at the various defection venues, Chief Makwe and Prince Nwabueze, who are senator Anyim Pius Anyim loyalists, commended Governor Nwifuru for always putting the interest of the people first in every decision making process noted that his leadership ingenuity prompted their decision to swiftly join the party.
Speaking at Ezillo, the headquarters of Ishielu LGA, Ogba, a two time senator who represented Ebonyi central senatorial zone, said he was lured to dump PDP for APC, as a result of the good governance displayed by the governor, Francis Nwifuru, in the nine months in the office.
The former Senate committee chairman on sports, also commended Governor, Nwifuru for the provision of dividends of democracy to the people of the state, saying “the Governor is working with everybody, not minding political affiliations or any other divide. He has done exceptionally well and deserves our collective support and admiration.”
Ogba, however, commended the state party chairman of APC, Stanley Okoro Emegha for working together with the governor, Francis Nwifuru to bring absolute peace and unity of stakeholders in the state.
Welcoming the thousands of defectors, the Chairman of APC in Ebonyi State, Hon Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha noted that the defection was long overdue stressing that Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has decimated the opposition by his singular act of detribalised government and in pursuit of welfarism.
Emegha stated that the guiding principles of the party is sacrosanct and must be obeyed at all times irrespective of one's position in the sociopolitical strata, adding that there would be no free born or outcast under his watch.
"I'm interested in winning more souls for our party and that's why I still go about asking people to join us so that they can enjoy what we are enjoying. The person you didn't work with today, you might work with tomorrow. Let's all forget the past and forgive each other. The party is open to all and we need more people.
"There is no reason for opposition since our God given governor (Right Honourable (Dr) Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru) is working more than expected and has been making Ebonyians happy with good leadership. One party system is fine when there's good leadership. You can only oppose when we have a bad leader. Ebonyi is blessed with the best governor and that's why opposition members have been collapsing their parties to support Nwifuru led government.
“The defection of Ogba and his over 3000 loyalists has cropped opposition parties, especially his former party, PDP in the state. They are good brains with good ideologies on how to develop the state that are in opposition. We want them to brainstorm and move the state forward. My interest is majorly on developing the state and this can easily be achieved when all heads come together as one family to move the state forward,” he stated.
