By Asuquo Cletus
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Cross River State, Christopher Etta, has assured aggrieved members of the party that efforts are underway to resolve disputes arising from the recently concluded ward and local government congresses.
Etta gave the assurance on Monday during an interactive session with journalists in Calabar, saying the party remained committed to dialogue and reconciliation to strengthen internal cohesion ahead of future political activities.
He disclosed that committees set up to review issues arising from the congresses had received reports from the Northern and Southern senatorial districts, while the Central Senatorial District committee was expected to submit its report.
According to him, resolving disagreements within the party is a continuous process, stressing that every member remains an integral part of the APC.
“The committees have submitted their reports. The South and the North have submitted theirs, while the Central is expected to submit today. But that is not the end of it. We will continue engaging with our friends, colleagues and members.
“They are an integral part of the APC. Whatever their grievances or feelings, we will address them. It is a continuous exercise,” he said.
The state APC chairman also urged members to remain committed to the party, expressing confidence that the reconciliation process would further unite the party.
Speaking on the party’s relationship with the media, Etta described journalists as partners in promoting democratic governance and pledged sustained engagement to ensure accurate dissemination of information.
He also urged media practitioners to verify allegations before publication, particularly on politically sensitive issues, insisting that balanced reporting would help prevent misinformation and unnecessary political tension.
On the APC-led administration, Etta called on Nigerians to remain patient with ongoing reforms, saying temporary hardships were inevitable in the process of rebuilding the country.
“The party came in at a very critical and difficult time. In trying to fix problems that have festered for years, some pains will naturally occur. In trying to build, sometimes you have to break before you rebuild,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the reforms being implemented by the APC would ultimately deliver long-term benefits for Nigerians.
In her remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Cross River State Council, Archibong Bassey, called on governments at all levels to improve the welfare of journalists, noting that better working conditions would enhance professionalism and enable media practitioners to discharge their constitutional responsibility more effectively.
She said journalists remain critical partners in promoting accountability, transparency and good governance, stressing that they deserve improved remuneration, regular training opportunities and a safe, enabling environment to carry out their duties. Bassey also urged government officials and political actors to sustain constructive engagement with the media in the interest of democracy and national development.
