Breaking: Cross River APC Chairman Removed for Financial Allegations

Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, was impeached by the State Working Committee (SWC) due to accusations of financial impropriety and administrative excess.

The APC state secretariat in Calabar hosted the event on Thursday.

Under former governor Ben Ayade, Eba was appointed chairman in October 2021. He was charged with embezzlement, theft of party funds, conceit, and neglecting to provide party officers with stipends.

SWC members, chapter chairmen, and other interested parties signed a statement claiming that Eba’s actions had damaged party operations and frayed ties throughout the state.

The Forum of APC Chapter Chairmen had already demanded his impeachment, accusing him of worsening the condition of ward and chapter officials and delaying stipends for over three months.

State Treasurer Dr. Matthew Egom seconded the motion to remove him, which was made by State Welfare Secretary Okara Ekawu. They claimed that before coming to a unanimous verdict, the committee looked into the accusations in great detail.

Eba was instructed to turn over all party assets and records, including secretariat management, to the acting chairman while the National Executive Committee (NEC) issued additional directions.

In contravention of Sections 21:2 (ii & v) of the APC Constitution, Forum Chairman and Boki LGA Chairman Kelvin Nyong called the non-payment of stipends “unprecedented” and charged Eba with dividing the party.

The party leaders in attendance reiterated their support for Governor Bassey Otu and stated that stability and efficient governance required the shift in leadership.

About two years ago, Eba encountered similar resistance when prominent members of the party, such as Chief Peter Higgins and former presidential adviser Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, demanded his dismissal due to similar accusations.

He caused a stir last month when he publicly pledged allegiance to former governor Ben Ayade and arranged a lavish airport reception for him. This action was perceived as disparaging the current administration.