By Jonathan Ugbal
In a move that reshapes the continuously changing political landscape in Cross River State, businessman, Prince Kesimbah Joseph Jedy-Agba, on Saturday formally defected with hundreds of his supporters to the All Progressives Congress, APC, one month after his resignation from the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.
Prince KJ, as he is fondly called, had resigned from the PDP on June 10th, citing “recent undemocratic patterns and frosty atmosphere that characterized the party against the initial values that attracted,” him to the party in 1999.
And, on Saturday, decked in a white and blue shirt with the APC logo and acronym emblazoned on the breast pocket; light brown chinos trousers, and a baseball cap with the inscription, “Kjay for Otu 2027,” he gathered several bigwigs in the APC at the Saint Coleman Primary School Utugwang Market to formally announce his defection to the APC, stating that Cross River Governor, Senator Bassey Otu convinced him to join the APC.
“My defection is predicated on the good works of His Excellency, Prince Bassey Otu who has brought us the Season of Sweetness and has asked me to come and join in the sweetness,” he declared during his announcement.
“I want all of us to do what we can to support His Excellency… I thank you very much for the opportunity to have a place in the APC, which is where I now belong,” KJ said, adding that his defection was more strategic than symbolic.
He averred that; “I am here to see how me and my supporters will build the party to see how we can win our elections from the Local Government to the federal level,” while repeatedly praising Governor Otu’s performance. “The Governor is a man that is doing so much for us. The season now is the season of sweetness,” he said.
Earlier, the Chapter Chairman of the APC in Obudu, Mr. Alpha Ublibli who urged those still contemplating joining the party to hasten up, berated the reported coalition’s adoption of the African Democratic Congress while expressing optimism about the party’s performance in the yet to be declared 2027 elections.
“A few weeks ago, we had a big fish, and today, we are welcoming our big brother. For our brothers still sitting on the fence, do quick and cross over,” Ublibli said.
He added; “With what is happening, there is no election for us. Not even the coalition which lacks integrity and is made up of people who destroyed what we are trying to re-build will stop us.”
The State Chairman, Alphonsus Eba Esq. represented by the Vice Chairman, North, Mr. Emma Ateb, received the defectors and handed the broom to them before presenting them to the Governor, Prince Bassey Otu, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi who is also the member representing Obudu State constituency.
The member representing Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwara federal constituency, Hon. Peter Akpanke, as well as all other members of the Cross River State House of Assembly from Cross River north district – Omang Charles (Bekwara), Pius Ashakia (Obanliku), Thomas Aruku (Ogoja), Brian Odey (Yala I) and Martins Achadu (Yala II) were in attendance.
The Chairmen of the five local government councils, Egbung Odama (Bekwara, acting), Sunny Ayang (Obanliku), Peter Undiandeye (Obudu), Chris Agbeh (Ogoja), and Fred Okem (Yala) were also in attendance alongside the Commissioner of Finance, Mike Odere; Commissioner of Sports, Agnes Atsu; Commissioenr of Industries, Mathias Angioha, and the Commissioner of Housing, Beatrice Igwe.
Others include Chief Goddy Iyala, the Director General of the State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Chris Ojikpong, the Head of Personnel Staff to the Deputy Governor, Chief Tony Undiandeye, Mr. Augustine Agba and several others.
Leave feedback about this