Confusion in Calabar as National Confab Committee Secretary Grabs Microphone From Gov’s Aide

by crossriverwatch admin

Secretary of the National Confab Advisory Committee, Dr. Indabawa grabbing the microphone from Special Adviser to Gov. Imoke on Public Orientation, Mr. Etim Okon Asim

Dr. Indabawa takes over proceedings after grabbing the microphone while Mr. Etim watches on

Cross River Deputy Governor, Efiok Cobham on arrival

There was mild drama in Calabar on Friday at the main bowl of the Cultural Center, venue of the Stakeholders Interactive Session held by the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference.

The meeting which is a continuation of ongoing nationwide consultation had earlier held in Akure and Jos, and the Calabar meeting was hosting representatives from Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers State.

The interaction was billed to begin at 10am and the State Governor was expected to welcome members of the committee.

Deputy Governor Efiok Cobham who represented Governor Imoke arrived the venue exactly 12:21pm after the members of the committee having waited for about one and a half hours insisted that they could not wait any longer for him and that the program should commence.

Everyone in the hall had already been asked to stand up for the National Anthem and all were up and the Anthem started playing when a security aide dressed in brown suit wen to Mr. Etim Okon Asim, the Special Adviser to Governor Imoke on Public Orientation who was in charge of proceedings, insisting that the National Anthem cannot go on in the absence of the representative of the State Government.

The anthem then stopped playing halfway and Mr. Etim Okon Asim took over the microphone from the Master of Ceremony and tried to calm everyone down explaining that they were only ensuring the integrity of the State is protected.

Some restiveness then ensued and the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Okorunmu insisted that the National Anthem should be recited so that the program can proceed because the committee did not have time but Mr. Etim kept trying to calm a crowd that was still standing and agitated.

The Secretary of the Committee, Dr. Indabawa then left his sit, walked up to the podium and grabbed the microphone from Mr. Etim Asim and took over proceedings. He called for the National Anthem to be recited and kick started the program with and opening prayer and introduction of members of the committee.

The Deputy Governor later walked in at 12:21pm in the course of proceedings and took his seat. He was immediately invited to make his presentation of the state position. He left the meeting fourteen minutes after his presentation.