APC, President Tinubu, Na Beg C'River Dey Beg

By Inyali Peter 

The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC has once again demonstrated a troubling pattern of marginalization against Cross River State. Yesterday, during the party’s 14th NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the old zoning arrangement was rectified, restoring the National Chairman position to the North Central zone, which paved the way for the emergence of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda from Plateau State.

Under the rectified zoning arrangement, the Deputy National Secretary, previously held by a Plateau State indigene, was reassigned to Nasarawa State. However, the National Woman Leader position, originally zoned to Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, with Cross River clinching it was conspicuously not returned to the State. 

In APC, each region produces three National Working Committee, NWC members. South/South states always pair two states to one position. Under the rectified zoning formula, Edo and Delta States had National Publicity Secretary which they’re still maintaining while Cross River and Akwa Ibom had the National Woman Leader. However, when Dr. Beta Edu resigned to take up the responsibility of a Minister, the position was hijacked by Edo, meaning Delta and Edo now have two NWC positions leaving Cross River and Akwa Ibom with nothing. 

With the return to status quo, one had thought that the decision would be holistic but again, it has only ended up reinforcing the perception that Cross River is being deliberately marginalized by the APC. Even  the Director of Organization position, which was also initially zoned to the state but reassigned to Nasarawa, was not retained yesterday.

Governor Bassey Otu has been a steadfast pillar of the APC in the South/South geopolitical zone. He has been playing critical role in expanding the party’s influence, yet his state continues to face systemic marginalization. What offense has Governor Otu, a loyal and high performing leader, committed to warrant this treatment? His efforts to deliver on national assignments and strengthen the APC’s foothold in a region historically dominated by opposition parties deserve reward, not neglect.

Regrettably, the marginalization of the State extends beyond party positions. The State remains the only one in the entire country without a Managing Director, Director General or Executive Secretary of any federal agency. It initially had two ministers in President Tinubu’s cabinet, a modest representation given its contributions position as APC only State in S/South at the time. However, one minister was suspended under allegations that the EFCC is yet to provide updates nearly one and a half years after, even though the commission was given a two-month mandate to investigate. 

When the State was expecting amicable resolution to the matter for the reinstatement of the suspended Minister or at worst, a replacement from the state, she was replaced with the current National Chairman. The second minister, despite being rated among the top ten performing ministers, was redeployed as Minister of State. When other states lose positions, replacements typically come from within, but Cross River has been consistently shortchanged.

This level of marginalization paints a picture of a state treated as if it has offended the powers that be. The State may not currently be a major oil producing state, but it boasts abundant natural resources, including solid minerals, tourism potential, and a vibrant manpower pool that has contributed hugely to Nigeria’s development. The state’s strategic importance as a tourism hub in the country cannot be overstated. It has given much to the APC and the Federal Government, yet it receives little in return.

While I extend heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Yilwatda on his emergence as APC National Chairman, I appeal to President Tinubu, the APC leadership, and all stakeholders to address this grave injustice against Cross River. The failure to restore the National Woman Leader as per the original zoning arrangement is unjust and unfair. We’re not begging for favours; we’re pleading for fairness. 

Gov. Otu has severally proven his worth to the APC and the nation, the party needs to reciprocate. President Tinubu, a leader known for his political acumen and commitment to inclusivity, must intervene to correct this imbalance. Restore Cross River’s rightful positions in the NWC, give more appointments to the state, and recognize the state’s contributions with more projects. 

APC and President Tinubu, na beg we dey beg, let justice prevail for the illustrious people of Cross River.