APC Group Cautions Governor Otu's Chief of Staff, “Into His Own Hands”
- A prominent support group of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sent an important message to Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State
- The Emerging Progressives Leaders Forum (EPLF) has asked Governor Otu to caution his Chief of Staff, Dr. Emmanuel Iron Bar
- The APC group made serious allegations against Iron Bar, stating that the people of Cross River state did not elect him as governor of the South-South state
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
Cross Rivers state -Governor Bassey Otu has been urged to caution his Chief of Staff, Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar.
The Emerging Progressive Leaders Forum (EPLF) said the people of the state did not elect Ironbar as governor of Cross Rivers state.
Source: UGC
The All Progressives Congress (APC) group said it has received a 'Save Our Souls' message from several appointees in the Governor Otu-led administration.
The group's general secretary, Engr. Francis Bassey said there is a growing discontent brewing within the Cross River State Government.
The prominent APC support group explained that the senior political appointees raised alarm over what they describe as the hostile and overpowering grip of the Chief of Staff on the running of state affairs.
The APC group disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in Abuja.
Engr Bassey claimed that many within Gov Out’s administration fear that a single unelected official has effectively usurped the authority of constitutionally recognized office holders,
The group accused Ironbar of creating a climate of intimidation and administrative paralysis.
"The Chief of Staff to the Governor has accumulated unprecedented influence, sidelining Commissioners and diverting control of critical government functions into his own hands.
“Some claim they have been reduced to 'begging' the Chief of Staff for funds already appropriated for their ministries. A number of appointees described their tenure as one of humiliation, noting that lavish appearances mask a stark reality of dependency and pressure.
“What is happening in Cross River State is a systemic inversion of authority. Fear is governing, not policy."
The APC group called on Governor Otu to confront the growing crisis or risk allowing his administration to be remembered as one commandeered from within.
The group warned that the coming weeks may determine not only the future of Governor Otu's administration but the trajectory of democracy within the Cross Rivers state.
APC Chairman Removed From Office
Recall that the Cross River State chapter of the APC announced the sacking of its chairman, Alphonsus Eba.
Eba was impeached by the state executive committee of the ruling party over his refusal to resign from the position despite several calls from various quarters of the party.
The APC then announced the assumption of Ntufam Ekum Ojogu as the APC acting chairman in the state. Ojogu will be in charge of the affairs of the APC in Cross River until a state congress is convened, when his position will be ratified.
Cross River govt declares 20-day Christmas holiday
Legit.ng also reported that the Cross River government announced a 20-day leave for civil and public servants to mark Christmas and New Year.
The directive from the government, signed by Head of Service Orok Okon, excluded officers from essential duties.
The leave coincided with preparations for the 20th edition of Carnival Calabar, Africa’s biggest street party.
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Source: Legit.ng
