By Kelvin Obambon
The Cross River chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says it will be holding a solidarity rally across the state. This is coming on the heels of the planned nationwide protest against economic hardship in Nigeria billed to take place on August 1st 2024.
Addressing a news conference in Calabar on Wednesday 31st July, state chairman of APC, Barr. Alphonsus Eba, said that the rally which will begin from 1st to 11th August, will highlight the achievements of the federal and state governments, while also appealing to the people to give the government more time for the policies put in place to yield positive results.
According to the APC chairman, “As a party we have to show solidarity with our governor as a way of encouraging him to do more. We shall also show solidarity with Mr President for all the wonderful things he has been doing, which we will use this rally to roll out to our people to know; and in doing so we’ve complied with the order of the federal government through the IG, that anybody who wants to be on the street tomorrow (Thursday 1st August) must do so by getting a permit.
“APC Cross River State in conjunction with right thinking Cross Riverians across party lines have written to the Commissioner of Police for permit to also be on the street. Our commencement point will be the party secretariat through the 12km carnival route. Our point of harbour will be the 11-11 roundabout. We will also intermittently spend time at Rabanna. We will also have time at Efio-Ete junction. These are the routes we have secured.
“To our knowledge, until this moment it is only APC Cross River State that has secured the permit from now till 11 of August to use these roads. From what we have gathered the only available roads for anybody that wants to foment trouble will be around Odukpani junction heading towards Itu head bridge.
“Please take note that we are not looking for trouble. We only want to be on the street to sing praises and thank God Almighty for giving us the duo of President Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu and the Sweet Prince that has brought sweetness to the land. At the end of it we will be having series of engagements with youths and students, religious groups, support groups, IPAC, farmers, civil servants, NURTW, Keke riders, independent marketers and the various groups, all in the name of telling them this is what we have done. The market women will not be left out.”