Former Ayade’s Aide Urges Tinubu, APC Leadership to Reconsider Cross River’s Role in National Politics, Praises Governor Otu’s Impact on Edo Victory
Castro Ezama, a former aide to ex-Governor Ben Ayade, has called on President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to reassess Cross River State’s position within the party’s national political strategy.
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His remarks follow the APC’s victory in Edo State, where Cross River leaders played a key role in securing the win.
In a statement, Ezama commended the efforts of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, who led the APC’s campaign council in Edo. He also highlighted the contributions of Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jnr. to the party’s success.
However, Ezama expressed concern over what he described as a diminishing influence of Cross River within the APC at the national level, citing a reduction in the state’s ministerial representation.
Ezama pointed out that Cross River’s ministerial slots were reduced from two to one after Dr. Betta Edu, a prominent Cross Riverian politician, was suspended from the federal executive council.
He further raised concerns that Edo State could become the dominant political force for the APC in the South-South region, overshadowing Cross River.
“The only APC national position that would have come to Cross River was snatched by Edo State,” Ezama remarked.
He urged the party leadership to either reinstate Dr. Betta Edu or appoint another Cross River native to the federal executive council to restore political balance and ensure the state’s continued representation.
Beyond political appointments, Ezama also called on President Tinubu to reconsider economic policies that have exacerbated hunger and poverty across the country. He expressed hope that the APC’s win in Edo might spur a shift in policy that would improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Ezama urged the national leadership of the APC, including the party chairman, to acknowledge the sacrifices Cross River has made for the party and consider offering the state a more prominent role in national politics.
