PDP stalwart dumps party for APC in Cross River

A high-profile member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River, Hon. Mike Usibe has dumped the party for rival ruling All Progressive Congress in the state.

Igoli, Ogoja was agog with jubilation on Saturday, 9 March 2024, as Usibe, a one-time Chairman of Yala Local Government Council and Commissioner for New Cities Development under the PDP administration denounced membership of the party.

The businessman was received by the Deputy Governor of the State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, members of the State Exco – Dr. Hipolatus Lukpata and Mr. Patrick Egbede, former Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Martin Orim, as well as other party stalwarts.

Rt. Hon. Peter Odey who extolled Mike Usibe as one whose political influence transcend Yala to Ogoja, said the APC does not discriminate between old and new members citing himself as an example having been nominated to contest election as Deputy Governor only nine months after joining the party. He assured the defectors that Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s government would receive them and that their contributions would be respected in the party.

Speaking at the event, the Chapter Chairmen of Yala and Ogoja, Solomon Ogar and Hon. Paul Adinye respectively lauded Mr. Usibe’s virtues and influence stating that his defection to the party was akin to catching a big fish and the removal of the strongest opposition in the zone.

“When politicians who have gained the trust of their communities by their proven competence and manifest capacity to develop the youth and help the downtrodden find their way to a strong party that is also in power like the APC, the results of such a marriage are predictable. This is the case with this one-time Director of Finance in the Local Government  and seasoned entrepreneur who has dedicated his life to serving his people.”

By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)