The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Cross River State, Christopher Etta, has assured party members that the leadership will resolve internal disputes arising from the recently concluded ward and local government congresses.
The party said reconciliation remains a top priority, as it gears towards the 2027 elections.
Etta gave the assurance on Monday during an interactive session with journalists in Calabar, where he said the party would continue to engage aggrieved members to strengthen unity ahead of future political activities.
He disclosed that reconciliation committees constituted to review complaints 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, the resolution of internal disagreements 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,” Etta said.
He urged party members to remain committed to the APC, expressing confidence that the reconciliation process would further consolidate the party’s unity and position it for future electoral successes.
The APC chairman also reaffirmed the party’s commitment to maintaining a cordial relationship with the media, describing journalists as critical stakeholders in the democratic process.
He urged journalists to verify information before publication, particularly on politically sensitive issues, to ensure balanced and factual reporting.
Speaking on the administration of President Bola Tinubu, Etta appealed to Nigerians to remain patient with ongoing economic reforms, saying temporary hardship was 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.
Also speaking, 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 effectively discharge their constitutional responsibility.
She said journalists remained indispensable partners in promoting transparency, accountability and good governance, urging governments and other stakeholders to provide a safe and enabling environment, improved remuneration and regular capacity-building opportunities for media professionals.
Bassey also commended the APC leadership for initiating direct engagement with journalists, describing such interactions as important for strengthening mutual understanding and promoting responsible information dissemination.