By Agba Atuabo – Calabar.
LABOUR PARTY CARETAKER COMMITTEE IN CROSS RIVER STATE HOLDS INAUGURAL MEETING.
In a bid to strengthen the Labour Party’s (LP) presence in Cross River State, the newly constituted State Caretaker Committee convened on September 16th, 2024, for its inaugural meeting.
This meeting marked a significant moment for the party as it aims to solidify its organizational structure and assert itself as a major political force in the state.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Comrade John Ushie Ph.D set the tone for the meeting by congratulating the newly appointed members.
“Let me start by congratulating all those who made the list as members of the State Caretaker Committee for Cross River State.”
Emphasizing the importance of their roles, he called on members to rise to the occasion and fulfill their responsibilities with diligence.
“We owe the people the duty to ensure that the Labour Party in Cross River State functions effectively and efficiently because we are social democrats,” he remarked.
Comrade Ushie was firm in his stance against the existing political establishment, criticizing the influence of capitalist interests that he believes have led to the deterioration of the economy.
“We can’t allow a few capitalists to ruin our hard-earned economy and country. We must assert ourselves as the only formidable and credible alternative to the ruling party,” he added.
The meeting was attended by various party stakeholders, including the Special Adviser on Inter-Party Affairs to the Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Nkoyo Otu, who gave her endorsement of the committee and singled out Hon. Alvin Ochang for his dedication to the Labour Party.
“Hon. Alvin Ochang has stood firmly by the party through thick and thin,” reflecting the party’s appreciation for leaders who have remained steadfast, even in challenging times.
She further stressed the importance of inclusivity within the party, advocating for representation from all corners of the state.
“We are Labour Party, and what differentiates us from other political parties is the way our things are done. We should make sure that every local government area that makes up the state is represented in the State Caretaker Committee and carried along accordingly,” she urged.
Hon. Alvin Ochang, who has been a key pillar of the Labour Party in Cross River State, echoed similar sentiments, calling for the party to refocus and strengthen its outreach efforts.
“We must position ourselves and run our activities as a political party. We want this party to move and spread to the nooks and crannies of the state because we have a good brand.”
Additionally, Chief Ray Murphy, a prominent stakeholder in the party offered valuable insight into the qualities that the party should prioritize as it moves forward.
“We need people of integrity and probity who are committed to running the affairs of the party. There are thousands of people who are disenchanted with the system in other political parties. We need to bring them into our fold,” he advised.
Chief Murphy’s words reflected the widespread disillusionment with the current political landscape and the Labour Party’s potential to attract those seeking an alternative.
As the inaugural meeting concluded, it was clear that the Labour Party in Cross River State is positioning itself for a major comeback.