In a recent press statement, the All Progressives Congress (APC) announced a significant Leadership shakeup in Calabar Municipality where Mr. Magnus Okon was appointed the Acting Chapter Chairman and Acting Caucus Leader of the Party in Calabar Municipality.
In the same vain, Chief Victor Felix Idem, Cross River State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, was unanimously selected as the "Natural Leader" of the Local Government Area in a well attended meeting of Party Leaders and Stakeholders.
The statement averred that, the change in Leadership was prompted by a "Vote of No Confidence" passed on Chief Emmanuel Mbora, the former Chairman of the party in the Chapter, and Hon Oku Ita by Twenty (20) out of the Twenty Six (26) Party Executive Members of the Chapter. The Party also cited thuggery, dodgy conduct, and a disrespectful attitude towards the party's constitution as reasons for the decision, invoking constitutional powers.
A notable aspect of the press statement is a strong cautionary message directed at the public, advising against any association with Emmanuel Mbora. The party expressed concerns over alleged actions or affiliations that could be detrimental to the party's image and objectives.
The statement reads in parts:
"… The house agreed and together moved a “vote of confidence” on Chief Victor Felix Idem to be the “Natural Leader” of APC Calabar Municipality…"
"It’s also important to note that on October 5, 2023, twenty (20) out of twenty-six (26) persons that make up the Chapter Leadership; realized the thuggery, dodgy and disrespectful attitude of Mr Emmanuel Mbora and Hon Oku Ita; together moved and signed a ‘vote of no confidence’ on the duo.
"Finally, sequel to the above, we submit that the party which is supreme is handled by the leadership of Mr Magnus Okon, who is the Acting Chapter Chairman and Acting Caucus Leader. We therefore call on the leadership of the party from all angles to disassociate from Mr. Emmanuel Mbora and Hon. Oku Ita pending when their matters will be discussed on. We encourage all party faithfuls to work hand in gloves with the Leadership of Mr. Magnus Okon and the Natural Leader Chief Victor Felix Idem to unite and build a formidable and sustainable party."
They call on all party members to disassociate from Mr. Emmanuel Mbora and Hon. Oku Ita until their matters are discussed. The statement encourages collaboration with the Leadership of Chief Victor Felix Idem to build a strong and sustainable party.
A member of the party who spoke to our correspondent on the issue but begged to be anonymous because he wasn't permitted by the party to speak, said the issue on ground is connected to the issue of multiple taxations and the thuggery attitude displayed by Mbora's boys who multi-taxed traders and innocent citizens in the Ika-Ika Oqua Market (Marian Market). The source added that members of the public had complained to the House of Assembly and the House had issued an order for the stoppage of multiple/exorbitant taxes but Emmanuel Mbora and his cohorts were bent on extorting the masses and it was becoming embarrassing and discrediting to the party.
"You see, Emma Mbora is the Chapter Chairman of the Ruling Party in Calabar Municipality and his core mandate and responsibility is to protect the people, but his case was different as he was rather the one inflicting pains on the people through multiple taxation, thuggery and all forms of violence, his boys will beat, harras and even mame members of the public in the name of revenue generation which never gets to government coffers." He informed.
"He was a disgrace and an embarrassment to the party. We can not be talking of season of sweetness and a leader of the party will be inflicting pains on the people. To avoid any form of discredit to the party, the leadership had to take that hard decision. But as a family I believe at the end of the day, everything will be sorted out amicably." The source concluded.