By Jonathan Ugbal
The faction of the Cross River State chapter of the All Progressives Congress state executive led by Matthew Achigbe was recognised by the party as the authentic delegates.
Mr. Achigbe’s executive was produced in a state congress which favored former Cross River Governor, Chief Clement Ebri and federal lawmaker, Senator John Owan-Enoh (APC, Cross River Central).
However, contrary to earlier reports that the party had barred delegates from the state and about five other states, elected ward delegates were present at the convention CrossRiverWatch authoritatively reports.
But, the outgoing Chairman of the party, Chief John Oyegun had on June 4, 2018 sworn in the faction led by Mr. Etim John who was produced in a congress allegedly masterminded by Niger Delta Affairs minister, Mr. Usani Usani.
PHOTOS: @OfficialAPCNg Swear In New State Chairmen pic.twitter.com/mPhFQXpW6e
— APC Nigeria (@OfficialAPCNg) June 4, 2018
The Secretary of the convention planning committee, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba had in an announcement warned that only duly elected and recognised delegates will be allowed into the convention venue.
Information reaching CrossRiverWatch suggests that Mr. Ndoma-Egba may have influenced the exclusion of Mr. Etim John as alleged by Usani’s loyalist due to his affiliation to Ebri who was also contesting for National Chairman but withdrew less than two days to the convention.
However, CrossRiverWatch could not independently verify these.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari had in his address acknowledged the issues bedeviling many states.
He said: “I want to assure everyone here that despite a few lingering issues with the congresses in some states, our great party will emerge stronger after this convention. The unresolved cases we have is the price we have to pay for success.”
I want to assure everyone here that despite a few lingering issues with the congresses in some states, our great party will emerge stronger after this convention. The unresolved cases we have is the price we have to pay for success. – Pres. @MBuhari at the #APCNationalConvention pic.twitter.com/KxpdcikeiO
— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) June 23, 2018
However, President Buhari’s speech was interrupted with delegates exchanging blows at one end of the Eagle’s Square.
More details later…
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