By CrossRiverWatch admin
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State Tuesday, elected new members of its state executive committee during a congress held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar with notable party stakeholders absent.
The congress was devoid of rancour with governor Ayade’s Commissioner for Infrastructure, Edim Inok, emerging as Chairman in what was an affirmation of the consensus the party faithfuls had reached in processes preceding the congress which was conducted by National Officers of the party and observed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The event saw over 800 elected and static congress members throng in to select their new leaders with former governors Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke as well as former deputy governor Efiok Cobham absent from the congress fuelling speculations that the underlying tension in the party is taking a toll.
Also, first term Senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Rose Oko, fourth term member of the House of Representatives, Essien Ayi who represents Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South federal constituency, and first term Representatives Legor Idagbo of Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra and Jarigbe Agom of Ogoja/Yala federal constituencies were absent.
Stakeholders of the party who spoke to newsmen including the state governor, Senator Ben Ayade, Senators John Owan Enoh and Gershom Bassey of Cross River Central and Southern senatorial districts, respectively expressed satisfaction with the process.
Ayade who spoke moments after casting his vote said the peaceful and orderly conduct of the congress was the result of the consensus building by leaders of the party.
“We had a good understanding, we had to consult and it was democratically done. We also know PDP has a culture of dominating Cross River State because when we resolve all our disputes, we resolve in favor of equity, we resolve in favor of justice, we resolve in favor of hard work and commitment to the party and that is why you can see this mammoth crowd voting peacefully. Records have it that this is one of the most peaceful congresses in the party across the nation,” he said.
The governor stressed the need for the newly elected party officials to work assiduously to ensure the party stays strong by remaining “committed to the philosophy that power belongs to the people, uphold equity, justice in the way and manner they discharge their duties. That is the only way the party can remain strong and in permanent control of the state”.
In a similar vein, the senator representing the Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, John Owan Enoh expressed satisfaction with the process that led up to the state congress, even as he hoped that there are better days ahead for the party.
“I would not be here if I was not satisfied with the process. I think the party can only get stronger under the leadership of the governor who is the leader of the party. As we have done before, I believe that there will be no difference and I think that we need to keep doing it like this and working together. The PDP can only get stronger and better,” Owan said.
Also, Gershom Bassey who represents the Southern senatorial district in the senate expressed his satisfaction at the conduct of the congress.
According to him, “We held series of meetings building up to this state congress and in each of those meetings we discussed the direction of the local governments and in my local government and senatorial district a lot of us had taken positions in some of this things and so it was easy to come here and cast a vote for the person of our choice. The process was free and fair.”
Full list of the newly elected PDP Exco include:
1. Ntufam Edim Inok Edim – Chairman
2. Hon Patrick Ebam Emanghe – Deputy Chairman
3. Hon. Titi Ndifon – Vice chairman (South)
4. Hon. Iby Ajobor – Vice chairman (Central)
5. Mr. Emmanuel – Ateb Vice Chairman (North)
6. Mr. Victor Omaga Odu – Secretary
7. Dr. Uke Enun – Assistant Secretary
8. Mr. Asuquo Essien Ekpo – Treasurer
9. Hon. Effiong Okon Effiong – Assistant Treasurer
10. Mr. Lawson Enang Financial – Secretary
11. Hon. Dennis Effiom Eyo – Assistant financial secretary
12. Chief Michael Okoi – Organizing Secretary
13. Hon. Philip Ikpa – Assistant Organizing Secretary 1
14. Mr. Egbung Odama – Publicity Secretary
15. Pst Osim Eyam Ojogu – Assistant Publicity Secretary
16. Chief Austine Edibe – Auditor
17. Hon. Moses Bisuakefe – Assistant Auditor
18. Hon. Pius Awa – Legal Adviser
19. Barr. Tony Adinye – Assistant Legal Adviser
20. Mrs. Vera Obi Bisong – Woman Leader
21. Hon. Morris Edem – Youth Leader
22. Mrs. Catherine C. Bassey – Ex Officio
23. Mrs Jane Effiong – Ex- Officio
24. Mr. Bernard Oyira Egba – Ex- Officio
25. Mr. Godwin Ekpan – Ex-Officio
26. Mr. Vincent Etuki Egbe – Ex-Officio
27. Mr Fred Adode – Ex-Officio
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