By Abasi Ita
The All Progressives Congress in Cross River State has inaugurated a new State Working Committee, with its chairman, Hon. Chris Sunny Etta, promising to lead with inclusiveness, consultation and unity.
Speaking shortly after his inauguration at the party’s state congress in Calabar, Etta assured members that the 36 member executive would begin work immediately and remain accessible to all stakeholders. He thanked delegates for the confidence reposed in the team and pledged not to disappoint the party faithful.
He said the new leadership would uphold the vision of the party and work collectively to strengthen its structure across the state.
Etta, a former member of the House of Representatives who represented Ikom Boki Federal Constituency, emerged through a consensus process. Barrister Ugana Lukpata was elected Deputy State Chairman, while Pastor Patrick Asuquo Okon retained his position as State Secretary.
Chairman of the congress committee, Mr Samuel Yarnap, supervised the affirmation of the executive through a voice vote that received overwhelming support from delegates. He commended members for their orderly conduct and described the state as a model of political harmony. Yarnap also urged continued support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu in advancing good governance.
In his remarks, Governor Prince Bassey Otu congratulated the new executives and described their emergence as significant for the party’s growth in the state. He appreciated the outgoing leadership for its service and reminded the new team that managing a political party requires patience, fairness and wisdom.
The governor expressed confidence in Etta’s experience and assured him of the administration’s support in consolidating party unity and grassroots mobilisation ahead of future political engagements.
Party members expressed optimism that the new State Working Committee would deepen cohesion within the APC and strategically position the party for upcoming challenges in Cross River State.