Cross River LP Hails Exit of Ungrateful Members, Makes Fresh Appointments

The Labour Party (LP) in Cross River State has expressed relief over the recent defection of some of its members, describing their exit as a blessing in disguise.

Particularly mentioned were Hon. Ekpenyong Akiba, the current member representing Odukpani/Calabar Municipal Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, and Hon. Daniel Asuquo, a former member who represented Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency.

The party described both men as “very ungrateful” to the platform that facilitated their political rise.

In a statement issued by the State Chairman of the LP, Patriarch Ogar Osim, the party said it wished the defectors well in their future political endeavours but noted that their departure was ultimately beneficial to the party.

“Both Daniel Asuquo and Ekpenyong Akiba were like the biblical Jonah in the boat while they were in our party,” Osim remarked.

He lamented that the defectors failed to show gratitude to the party that provided them with the platform to achieve their political ambitions.

“We regret that these officers have been so ungrateful to the party that gave them the platform on a platter of gold to campaign for their electoral victories at the polls,” he added.

Recalling past events, Osim disclosed that he resisted pressure to replace Akiba with another aspirant from Odukpani LGA, insisting that his support was instrumental to Akiba’s emergence as a National Assembly member.

“I have done my part to assist him get to where he is today. I am happy I did it for him. Appreciating people is not necessarily out of abundance but it is a virtue,” he stated.

The party chairman urged all LP members to remain law-abiding, respectful, and supportive of government policies that are beneficial to the people.

As part of a leadership reshuffle following the defections, the party announced new appointments. Mrs. Myra Benson and Mrs. Abigail Ekeng were named chairpersons of the Calabar Municipality and Calabar South LGA chapters respectively, while Mrs. Mary Okon emerged as the new State Women Leader.