In a decisive move underscoring the primacy of internal party governance, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State has taken stringent disciplinary action against two prominent members, signaling a firm commitment to constitutional order and internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
Major Decisions from the Caretaker Committee Meeting
The state’s APC Caretaker Committee, led by Mr. Ekum Ojogu, convened a critical meeting on Monday at the party secretariat in Calabar. The session resulted in two significant rulings:
- The Expulsion of Mr. Alphonsus Eba: The former State Chairman, who was previously impeached, has been formally expelled from the party.
- Upholding the Suspension of Dr. Juliet Diwa: The committee affirmed the suspension of the State Special Leader, pending further investigation by the party’s disciplinary committee.
C’ River APC Caretaker Committee meeting on Monday in Calabar
Anatomy of an Expulsion: The Case of Alphonsus Eba
The expulsion of Mr. Eba was not an arbitrary decision but a direct application of the party’s rulebook. The committee invoked Article 21.5(v) of the APC Constitution (as amended in 2022). This crucial provision mandates the automatic expulsion of any member who institutes legal action against the party without first exhausting all internal avenues for dispute resolution.
This move highlights a fundamental principle in modern political parties: the preference for settling grievances within the family before resorting to public litigation, which is often seen as damaging to party unity and reputation. Eba’s prior impeachment, based on allegations of misconduct and withholding salaries of party stakeholders, had already set the stage for this final, constitutional action.
The Suspension of Dr. Juliet Diwa: Upholding Ward-Level Discipline
In a parallel action, the committee reviewed a petition from the Boki Local Government Area concerning Dr. Juliet Diwa. The allegations against her are notably different, centering on gross misconduct at the ward level, including an alleged physical assault on the Ward Chairman, Mr. James Abang.
By upholding her suspension, the committee demonstrated that discipline applies equally to all members, regardless of their status as “special leaders.” The case has been referred to the party’s disciplinary committee for a thorough investigation, ensuring due process is followed. This distinction—expulsion for a constitutional breach versus suspension pending investigation for alleged misconduct—shows a nuanced application of party rules.
Broader Implications: A Message on Internal Democracy
The committee’s actions send a powerful, twofold message to the party rank-and-file in Cross River and beyond:
- Constitutional Supremacy: The party’s constitution is not a mere document but a binding framework. Violation of specific articles carries explicit, severe consequences.
- Zero Tolerance for Disruption: Both actions—one for bypassing internal mechanisms and another for alleged physical disruption at the grassroots—aim to curb acts that undermine party cohesion and operational integrity.
In its official statement, the committee reaffirmed its commitment to party discipline, internal democracy, and strict compliance with the APC Constitution. These moves are likely intended to stabilize the party structure in Cross River, reassert control from the center, and set a precedent ahead of future electoral cycles. The enforcement of Article 21.5(v), in particular, serves as a stark warning to any member considering taking intra-party disputes to court as a first resort.
Reported by Christian Njoku for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Edited by Ehigimetor Igbaugba/Bashir Rabe Mani.
Source: NAN
