Law enforcement blocks access to venue of ADC gathering in Cross River

In a move to thwart the inauguration of the African Democratic Congress' membership registration, mobilisation, and revalidation committee, a team of mobile policemen in Calabar, Cross River State, sealed off the venue yesterday.

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The party had scheduled the inauguration for Monday at the Event Centre along Marian Road, with Eko Alobo heading the committee, but security operatives cordoned off the venue as early as 7am, barring party members from entering the premises.

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A source close to the security personnel revealed that they were acting on orders from above, prompted by a petition from some party members, which led to the venue being sealed off.

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Efforts to resolve the standoff were unsuccessful, despite a meeting between top ADC leaders, including South South Zonal Vice Chairman, Dr. Uguru Usani, and Mr. Bassey Ewa, with the Commissioner of Police to iron out the confrontation.

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The meeting was later shifted to Dr. Usani's home, where a large crowd had gathered, as party members were denied entry to the original venue.

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Addressing journalists in Calabar, Vice Chairman for the Central Senatorial District, Dr. Mcphalane Ejah, described the unauthorised activities as a troubling development orchestrated by individuals not recognised by the party.

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Dr. Ejah appreciated the commitment of party members across the state to the growth of the ADC and reaffirmed the party's dedication to people-centred development and democratic principles, speaking on behalf of the state chairman, Dr. John Oga.

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The party's stance is rooted in its commitment to people-centric development, with Dr. Ejah stating, "As an opposition party, ADC in Cross River State is committed to people-centric development, placing the interests of the people at heart."

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Dr. Ejah further emphasized, "We believe that the will of the people should prevail and be respected, and we reject impunity and imposition, refusing to tolerate actions or attitudes that undermine the democratic will of the people."

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The party maintains that there is no faction in the ADC in Cross River State, operating strictly in line with its constitution, with Dr. Oga as the recognised leader.

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The leadership dismissed the planned inauguration of a so-called Membership Mobilization, Registration and Revalidation Committee for the 18 local government areas, describing the committee as unknown and unrecognised by the state executive.