Onor Alleges Cross River APC Removed Eba Over Loyalty To Ayade

PDP presidential aspirant, Prof. Sandy Onor, has alleged that the Cross River State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) removed its former chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Eba, because of his loyalty to former governor Ben Ayade.

Onor said the current APC administration in the state would not have come to power without Ayade’s political efforts, stressing that Eba was removed because of his allegiance to the former governor.

The former senator made the remarks at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport while addressing PDP supporters who came to welcome him ahead of the party’s presidential primaries.

He described Eba’s removal as an act of political betrayal.

“Chief Barrister Alphonsus Eba was cast down by those God has given power to now,” Onor said.

Eba, the immediate past APC state chairman, recently defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after leaving the APC to pursue the deputy governorship position on the PDP platform.

According to Onor, Eba’s only offence was remaining loyal to the former governor.

“Because Eba had been loyal to the predecessor who put them in power. Wickedness cannot be greater than that. That was his only sin,” he said.

Onor stated that Eba’s fate ultimately rests with God, insisting that human actions cannot override divine purpose.

“But it is God that puts you up. When man puts you down and God says you cannot be, there will be a lifting up,” he added.

The former senator, who represented Cross River Central Senatorial District, also rejected alleged attempts to stop Eba from entering the state.

“No man has the right to banish Alphonsus Eba from entering the state. I am here as a testament to the fact that no one man can banish you. No one man can put you down. With God, all things are possible,” he said.

Onor urged Cross River residents to embrace love rather than political bitterness.

“I am here to announce to you that we will manifest God. We will preach love and show love. You cannot claim to know God while all you do is predicated on wickedness,” he stated.

Warning political office holders against abuse of power, he said, “God is a God of vengeance who is watching all our pretensions. We will sow light, show light, and spread love,” while reminding leaders that “power is transient.”

While unveiling his campaign team, Onor said he was in the state for the presidential primaries and to introduce members of his political structure.

He introduced Arthur Jarvis as “the governor of Cross River State in waiting,” describing him as “a great gentleman.”

“You know Arthur Jarvis. He is a great gentleman. His father was governor of Cross River, and he too shall become one, by the grace of God,” he said.

Onor also presented Chief Dr Alex Egbona, member representing Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency, describing him as “a veteran of many political wars” and “a commander of the armed forces of the people.”

He named grassroots mobiliser, Chief John Ifere, as the PDP flagbearer for the Central Senatorial District, praising his “capacity, momentum and grassroots appeal.”

The PDP aspirant further endorsed Prof. Zana Akpaku for the Obubra/Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra federal constituency seat, saying he possesses “the appeal, the power, the humility and the contacts” to win.

Reacting to the allegations, Cross River APC spokesperson, Mr Emmanuel Edem, dismissed Onor’s claims as baseless and false.

Edem said Eba was removed from the party because of alleged arrogance towards party stakeholders and lack of accountability over party funds to the state executive committee.