From Kenneth Udeh
Newly appointed Acting Chairman of the Labour Party in Cross River State, Mr. Eugene Bessong Obia has promised to reorganise the party to take over the seat of power in the state come 2027.
During an interactive session with the press in Calabar on Saturday Obia shed more light on the internal crises bedeviling the Party, he disclosed that the process to mend fences and reinstall confidence amongst members had begun.
Acknowledging the wranglinga bedeviling the Party in the state and at the National level, the Acting Chairman expressed confidence in the party’s ability to overcome them through collective effort and decisive action.
“The Labour Party recently navigated through a challenging period, particularly with the controversies surrounding the office of the National Chairman. It is crucial that we address these issues with a united front and commitment to our core values “, he said.
On the suspension of the former chairman amid allegations of embezzlement and anti-party activities, Mr. Obia vowed to restore the party’s integrity and build a transparent and accountable leadership structure.
He said; “Issues of embezzlement and corruption are capable of straining the goodwill and legitimacy of any political party. We are committed to a transparent and accountable administration, which shall be the cornerstone of my administration.”
In light of the recent distribution of palliatives to political parties in the state, he highlighted the importance of equitable distribution of resources and applauded the Party’s Special Adviser on Inter-Party Affairs for her transparent distribution.
On the nationwide protest, he emphasized the importance of addressing the underlying issues fueling the protest.
“We support the right to peaceful protest as a cornerstone of our democracy. However, it is crucial for the government to address the root causes of these protests through constructive dialogue and engagement with stakeholders”.
Obia also lauded the recent Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy and described it as a victory for democracy and grassroots governance.
“The recent Supreme Court landmark judgment on local government autonomy is an achievement for our democracy, as it highlights the importance of grassroots governance and the need for local governments to function independently.
Commenting on the performance of the party’s elected officials, particularly the Executive Governor of Abia State, H.E. Alex Oti, the House of Representatives member representing Odukpani/Calabar Municipal Federal Constituency, Hon. Bassey Akiba, and the member of the Yala I State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly (CRSHA), Hon. Brian Odey, Mr. Obia stated;
“Our elected officials have all demonstrated exceptional performance and dedication to service. The Executive Governor of Abia State, H.E. Alex Oti, the House of Representatives member representing Odukpani/Calabar Municipal Federal Constituency, Hon. Bassey Akiba, and the member of the Yala I State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Brian Odey, have been instrumental in promoting our party’s values and delivering on their promises.”
Obia assured members and supporters of the Labour Party’s readiness to clinch the presidential and governorship seats and win additional seats in both the national and state houses of assemblies in Nigeria.
“The Labour Party is fully prepared to reclaim both the presidential and governorship seats as well as majority seats in both the national and state houses of assemblies in Nigeria. This is feasible because it’s only the Labour Party that has what it takes to solve the myriad of problems bedeviling Nigeria. Our focus is on grassroots mobilization and inclusive governance.”
Concluding his address, Mr. Obia outlined the party’s vision, stressing the need for party members and supporters to remain steadfast and committed towards a common goal of a prosperous Nigeria.