We Joined the Team That Gets Things Done — Emana Explains Defection to APC
By Ndiferek Bassey
Dr. Emana Duke-Amagwhe, former Deputy Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, has explained that her decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), along with her supporters, was driven by the desire to align with a team that delivers results.
Speaking at a grand reception held in her honour by the Cross River State chapter of the APC over the weekend in Calabar, Emana said her defection is a move to join hands with Governor Bassey Otu in building a more inclusive and progressive state.
According to her, Governor Otu’s style of governance, which is devoid of ethnic or political bias, inspired her change of heart.
“I admire the Governor’s fatherly approach—embracing every Cross Riverian without resorting to divisive politics,” she said. “The Governor has touched all our lives. We have seen his good works, especially in the areas of investment, infrastructure, and security.”
Emana, who hails from Akpabuyo Local Government Area and is also a farmer, recalled the state of insecurity that once plagued her community.
“Before Governor Otu came on board, going to my farm was a risk. Today, I can walk freely to my farm with peace of mind. People now sleep with both eyes closed in Akpabuyo. That’s progress I cannot ignore,” she added.
She further commended Governor Otu for aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, describing him as a key player in ensuring that the initiative succeeds in Cross River State and the South-South region.
“We sat down and had a rethink. We realized yesterday is gone and today is not too late. So, we jumped on the moving train—because the train is heading in the right direction, with the right driver,” Emana said.
She acknowledged that the APC leadership had extended a welcoming hand despite her past opposition during the 2023 elections.
“Even though we were in the team that fought the APC in the last elections, the party told me they would open their doors to us,” she said.
Recalling a personal exchange with Governor Otu, Emana shared, “The Governor once told me, ‘Emana, you are my sister, but you joined the wrong gang.’ And I replied, ‘We’ve changed our minds because your team says something and makes it happen—not the kind that says something and does the opposite.’”
She concluded by thanking the APC for the warm reception and reaffirmed her commitment to working for the good of the state under the leadership of Governor Otu and the APC.
