By Asuquo Cletus
The Cross River State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has suspended a member of the party in Odukpani Local Government Area over alleged public attacks on a federal lawmaker.
The affected member, Ekanim Philip Johnson, popularly known as “Water Board,” was suspended by the party’s Akamkpa Ward leadership following what it described as “repeated uncontrolled public outbursts” and insults directed at party leaders.
In a suspension notice dated February 13, 2026, and signed by the Ward Chairman, Emmanuel Robbert, and the Ward Secretary, Ayi Etim E the party said the decision was reached after a combined meeting of the ward leadership and executive held on January 27, 2026.
The ward leadership accused Johnson of making statements capable of bringing the party into “hatred, contempt, ridicule or disrepute,” particularly against Bassey Akiba, who represents Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Part of the statement read, “Arising from the combined meeting of the Akamkpa Ward APC Leadership and Ward Executive in Odukpani Local Government Area, held on 27th January 2026, you are hereby suspended from the party with immediate effect.
“Your suspension is coming on the heels of your repeated uncontrolled public outbursts, insults on party members and leadership of the APC, particularly on the person of Rt. Hon. Bassey Akiba, Member representing Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency, an act which you know is likely to embarrass, have adverse effect on the party, bring the party into hatred, contempt, ridicule or disrepute.
“While the ward leadership recognises your right to free speech, such right must be exercised within the precincts of the law.
“In view of the above, you are hereby directed to cease all activities and engagements under the auspices of the APC forthwith, in accordance with Article 21(a) of the party’s constitution and disciplinary guidelines.”
Efforts to reach Johnson for comment were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. However, a source within the ward, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the suspension followed a series of public remarks allegedly made by the member against the lawmaker and other party officials.
