In a dramatic turn of events, Prof. John Inyang, the immediate past Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development in Cross River State, has vehemently denied allegations that he imposed a candidate during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for the Idomi Council Ward in Yakurr Local Government Area. The allegations have sparked unrest in the community, with some aspirants and residents voicing their dissatisfaction over the electoral process.
In a candid interview with The Investigator, Prof. Inyang urged caution among media outlets reporting on the allegations, insisting that there is no tension in Idomi. “As a journalist, you should know that parties have processes for primaries,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of accurate reporting, particularly regarding internal party matters. “If you’re saying there’s unrest in Idomi, are you really being fair?” he questioned, highlighting the necessity of verifying sources before publishing potentially damaging claims.
Prof. Inyang further elaborated on the legitimacy of the primary process, asserting that the APC leadership alone has the authority to validate or contest its conduct. “I cannot conduct primaries without someone documenting the process,” he asserted, revealing that everything was meticulously recorded. “Only my party can determine whether I acted correctly or incorrectly,” he added, underscoring the structured nature of the party's internal procedures.
Addressing the serious allegations of violence and the use of firearms during the primaries, Inyang warned that such claims should not be taken lightly. “The mention of guns is a serious issue,” he stated, calling for an investigation into the origin and use of any weapons. “Those who allege that firearms were involved must be prepared to provide proof. If there’s any implication of criminal activity, it will be reported to Zone 6 for a thorough investigation,” he asserted with determination.
Inyang also called for a retraction of the initial reports, urging the media to engage with other aspirants to present a balanced narrative. While acknowledging that grievances are common in electoral contests, he cautioned against exaggerating these issues to foster unnecessary tension. “Some aspirants are indeed aggrieved, and that’s a fact,” he conceded. “But if you twist that to create challenges, you’re not being fair to yourself or the community.”
