Northern C’River Elders Slam Ex-APC Chair, Eba, Reaffirm Unwavering Support for Gov. Otu
Elders and political leaders from Cross River State’s Northern Senatorial District have strongly condemned what they described as an “irresponsible and ill-advised media outburst” by former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Alphonsus Eba, over internal party issues.
Operating under the umbrella of the Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSECF), the elders also reaffirmed their unflinching loyalty and support for Governor Bassey Edet Otu, insisting that the district remains firmly aligned with his administration and its progressive agenda.
In a statement released on Tuesday and jointly signed by seven prominent elders of the district, the Forum faulted Eba for taking internal party matters to the public space without consultation, warning that his comments had “embarrassed and ridiculed” the leadership of the Northern Senatorial District, the APC, the Cross River State Government and well-meaning Nigerians.
“The Council hereby dissociates itself from the irresponsible comments credited to Mr. Alphonsus Eba on an internal APC matter that could and should have been resolved discreetly,” the statement read. “At no point did he consult the Council before making those remarks. He acted purely in his personal capacity, and his conduct should not be misconstrued as reflecting the position or values of the political leadership of the Northern Senatorial District.”
The elders stressed that holders of public office must recognise their responsibility as custodians of public trust, noting that consultation, restraint and democratic engagement remain essential to credible leadership. They maintained that Eba’s actions were out of character with the values of the district, which they described as peace-loving, disciplined, hardworking, respectful and politically mature.
The Forum further appealed to Governor Otu, as well as APC leaders at both the state and national levels, not to judge the Northern Senatorial District by the conduct of one individual, emphasizing that the district is home to many credible, sincere and capable party leaders.
In a firm political statement, the elders also reiterated their demand that the position of APC State Chairman be retained in the Northern Senatorial District, insisting that the zone has no shortage of qualified and level-headed individuals fit to occupy the office.
“We passionately request that the position of State Chairman of the APC be retained in the Northern Senatorial District,” the statement said, adding that the district remains committed to party unity and stability.
The elders concluded by reaffirming their total commitment and loyalty to Governor Otu’s administration, pledging to support and defend its reform-driven and people-centred policies.
The statement was endorsed by Prof. John Shiyam (Vice Chairman, North, CRSECF), Dr. Julius Okputu (Secretary, CRSECF), Chief Dr. Tony Undiandeye, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, Chief Signor Omang Idiege, Chief Dr. Peter Ojie (all members of the Elders Advisory Council), and Hon. Chief Boniface Okache, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor.
