Supporters of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State took to the streets of Calabar metropolis yesterday to protest the planned demolition of the residence of their deputy governorship candidate, Alphonsus Eba, at the State Water Board Estate.
The protesters marched with placards through the area to register their grievances against the state government’s action.
The demonstrators described the planned demolition as a “political vendetta” and “injustice” against Eba, a former APC chairman who defected to the PDP after he was allegedly “shut out by officials of the Governor Otu’s administration.”
They carried placards with messages such as “Stop injustice, we warn,” “Leave Alphonsus Eba alone,” and “Cross River belongs to all of us, no intimidation is acceptable.”
Speaking to the protesters at the PDP Secretariat in Calabar, the PDP State Secretary, Joe Obi Bisong, condemned what he called injustice against Eba, whom the party “holds in a high esteem.”
He criticized the government’s development record and said the party would not accept targeted action against opposition members. “We could tolerate that level of underdevelopment, but we cannot tolerate the level of injustice,” he said.
Bisong added that if the government was sincere about correcting past wrongs, it must do so equitably.
“If the government has gotten up from its slumber today and wants to right the wrong, let it be done in a manner that will be seen to be justice for all Cross Riverians,” he maintained.
He clarified that the PDP was not against development, the recovery of Water Board land, or actions in overriding public interest, but opposed what he termed a vendetta against party members.
The Secretary explained that Eba was allocated the land while he served as APC chairman, but the structure is now marked for demolition after his defection to the PDP and emergence as deputy governorship candidate.
“Today is the turn of Alphonsus Eba. Tomorrow will be the turn of another PDP person,” he said. “That is why you are here to say enough is enough.”
Calabar South PDP chairman, Mr. Felix Offiong, also accused the government of selective application of the law.
Offiong pointed to houses belonging to serving senior APC officials, former and serving lawmakers, and exco members in the same area, saying all should be demolished if the government was sincere.
“If the state government says that the Water Board was meant for its original purpose, they have to demolish every property. Selective application of justice is injustice. We stand against injustice,” he maintained.
