…Party disowns ‘illegal’ meeting, vows to resist hijack
By Emma Una & Ike Uchechukwu
CALABAR— A team of mobile policemen in Calabar, Cross River State, yesterday sealed off the venue slated for inauguration of African Democratic Congress , ADC, membership registration, mobilisation and revalidation committee.
This came as the party condemned attempts by non-members to hijack the party’s structure, insisting that the party remains united under the leadership of its state chairman, Dr. John Oga.
ADC had set up a Membership Mobilisation, Registration and Revalidation Committee headed by Eko Alobo and was scheduled for inauguration for Monday, at Event Centre along Marian Road.
However, as early as 7a..m., a crack team of policemen cordoned off the inauguration venue baring party members from gaining entry into the premises.
Source close to the security men on ground hinted that the security operatives are acting on orders from above to seal off the venue based on petition by some members of the party.
Efforts to resolve the stand off failed even as some top ADC leaders including the South South Zonal Vice Chairman, Dr. Uguru Usani and Mr. Bassey Ewa held a meeting with the Commissioner of Police to iron out the confrontation.
The meeting venue was later shifted to the home of Usani, where large crowds are presently gathered.
Party disowns ‘illegal’ meeting
Addressing journalists in Calabar on behalf of the state chairman, vice chairman for the Central Senatorial District, Dr. Mcphalane Ejah, described the unauthorised activities as a troubling development orchestrated by individuals not recognised by the party.
Ejah appreciated the steadfast commitment of party members across the state to the growth of the ADC and reaffirmed the party’s dedication to people-centred development and democratic principles.
He said: “As an opposition party, ADC in Cross River State is committed to people-centric development, placing the interests of the people at heart.
“We believe that the will of the people should prevail and be respected. We reject impunity and imposition and will not tolerate actions or attitudes that undermine the democratic will of the people.”
The party emphasised that there was no faction in the ADC in Cross River State, maintaining that it operates strictly in line with its constitution. It insisted that the only recognised leadership is headed by Dr. Oga.
The leadership dismissed the planned inauguration of a so-called Membership Mobilization, Registration and Revalidation Committee for the 18 local government areas, describing the committee as unknown and unrecognised by the state executive.
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