C’River Labour Party Stakeholders Convene in Preparation for an Enlarged Stakeholders Meeting, Deliberate on Pressing Issues
By Ndifon Joseph – Calabar
In a move aimed at strengthening the party’s presence and addressing internal and external challenges, stakeholders of the Labour Party (LP) in Cross River State gathered in Calabar to deliberate on pressing issues ahead of an enlarged stakeholders meeting.
The meeting which took place on 29th July, 2024, at the Anchor Vino Hotel, Asari Eso Layout, was attended by prominent party leaders, marking a crucial step in the party’s effort to solidify its political strategy and improve its organisational structure within the state.
In his opening remarks, the party’s flagbearer during the Boki/Ikom Federal House of Representatives elections and convener of the meeting, Hon. Alvin Ochang, set the tone for the discussions.
“What we want as stakeholders is for our party to be run the way it’s supposed to be. We’re not fighting anybody. We have organic supporters and we have the advantage because the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has not performed,” he stated.
Also addressing the gathering, the leader of the party in the state and member representing Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal Constituency, Hon. Bassey Akiba, expressed his full support for efforts to realign the party.
“Anything the stakeholders can do to bring this party back to track, I am in support. But, we must do it right, that’s the only way to go. We got our victory from the people and we must go back to the people. Whatever the stakeholders agree on, I will endorse,” he affirmed.
Mr Tete Bassey Duke, a stakeholder from Akpabuyo, proposed a structured approach to the upcoming larger stakeholders meeting.
“Let’s fix time and set up a small committee that will pilot the affairs of the party and prepare us for the enlarged stakeholders meeting,’ he suggested.
From Boki, Mr Obi Joe Paul, echoed the sentiment of rebuilding and positioning the party as a formidable force.
“We need to brainstorm on how to fix and rebuild our party. We can be a force to be reckoned with. There are a lot of people that are waiting to see our efforts in rebuilding our party. Most members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are dissatisfied with what is going within their fold. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on the other hand has become flocks without a shepherd. We can capitalise on the lacuna and harvest them into the Labour Party,” he articulated.
From the Exco, the Agting State Secretary, Mr Allen Ene Ekpe, emphasized the need for functional structure to support the party’s day to day activities.
“We need a functional state secretariat that would enable us to function effectively. It would help rebrand the image of our party,” he concluded.
Other notable figures present included Hon. J. C. Ejemot of Akamkpa/Biase and Hon. John Ifere of Abi/Yakurr who later excused themselves as well as the Agting State Chairman, Mr Eugene Bessong Obia and the State Woman Leader & Special Adviser on Inter-Party Affairs to the Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Nkoyo Otu, among others.