CALABAR, Nigeria — A newly emboldened Coalition of Concerned All Progressive Congress, APC, Members in Cross River State, publicly renounced their former support for Governor Ben Ayade and appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consider the appointment of former State Vice Chairman (Central), Cletus Obun, as minister.
This group contends that the need for such action has become essential, citing the exceptional qualities and unwavering loyalty displayed by Obun to the party since its inception.
In a press conference held on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, in Abuja, prominent party figures such as Mfam Mbia Asu, a former Action Congress Youth Leader, and Amos Otu, a former Leader of Boki Legislative Council, were joined by 31 other signatories, as they underscored Obun’s invaluable role within the party.
Obun, they noted, has persistently rejected tempting offers from rival parties out of his dedication to the APC.
Reflecting on Obun’s political trajectory, Asu recalled, “Obun facilitated the defections of such luminaries as Senators Victor Ndoma-Egba and John Owan Enoh, Victor Abang, Alex Egbona, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Ambassador Soni Abang, and Godwin Jedy Agba among others.”
Asu pointed out that Obun hails from the only political bloc in Cross River, the old Ikom, which has yet to see one of its own serve as a governor, deputy governor or minister since the dawn of the Fourth Republic.
He further noted, “Even after the formation of the APC, Obun remained the mobilising force and a shining beacon, consistently undermining opposition strategies through the media and other platforms.”
Critics, however, have often dismissed Obun as a ‘victim’ due to his fierce loyalty. But his unwavering support for President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the then National Leader of the AC/ACN, and the ideology of Progressive politics were seen as commendable, even as the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governed Cross River State from 1999-2021.
In his impassioned appeal, Asu concluded, “We are calling on the administration to reward Hon. Cletus Obun for his sacrifice, commitment, and consistency to the APC. This would serve as a confidence booster to legacy members, an encouragement to the youth who believe in him, and a safeguard for other Party members.”
The appeal now awaits the response of President Tinubu, with the APC Coalition in Cross River hoping their political allegiance will be rewarded with Obun’s elevation to a ministerial role.
