The interim order, secured on Friday by Eba’s counsel, First Baba Isa Esq., comes amid an escalating political confrontation between the former All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairman and the administration of Governor Bassey Otu.
The development follows the controversy that erupted after Eba’s residential building in Calabar was marked for demolition, a move he challenged in court, insisting that his constitutional rights had been violated.
Announcing the court victory in a statement on Friday, Eba expressed gratitude to God, his legal team and those who stood by him throughout the legal process.
“To the glory of God and special appreciation to all who stood on the side of justice, I am pleased to inform you that our counsel, First Baba Isa Esq., this morning at the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar secured a restraining injunction against the planned demolition of our residential building in Calabar pending the hearing and determination of our fundamental rights,” he said.
He maintained that despite the dispute, he would pursue only lawful means in seeking redress.
“When they go low, let’s go high.
“We are in a Democracy, therefore, all our actions and reactions shall be guided by every legal remedies available to us. Ubi jus, ibi remedium. (Where there is a legal right, there is a legal remedy). That is the law and no government no matter how powerful can go against it in a democracy.”
The court order comes only days after Eba granted an extensive interview to THE WHISTLER, in which he launched a blistering attack on Governor Otu’s administration, accusing it of abandoning legacy projects initiated by former Governor Ben Ayade, neglecting infrastructure across the state, marginalising political stakeholders, and failing to fulfil promises made to the people of Northern Cross River.
In the interview, Eba claimed he was among those who played a key role in resolving the political and legal issues that eventually cleared the way for Otu to emerge as the APC governorship candidate ahead of the 2023 election.
He said he invested personal resources and political capital to support Otu’s emergence because he believed in preserving the state’s zoning arrangement.
He, however, lamented that despite those efforts, he was allegedly repaid with humiliation, accusations and political exclusion.
The PDP deputy governorship candidate also questioned the state government’s handling of several industrial and infrastructure projects established under the Ayade administration, including the Ogoja Rice Mill, cocoa processing factory in Ikom, toothpick factory in Yakurr, cassava starch factory in Obubra and several road projects across the Northern Senatorial District.
He challenged Governor Otu to present a comprehensive scorecard of his administration, insisting that Cross Riverians deserved to know how public resources had been utilised over the last three years.
Eba further alleged that many of those who worked for Otu’s emergence had been sidelined, arguing that the governor should seek reconciliation with political stakeholders if he intended to seek re-election in 2027.
While the legal battle over his Calabar residence has just begun, Eba said the ruling marked the beginning of what he described as a long legal journey.
“With this order, our long journey to the Supreme Court has commenced today,” he declared.
Calling on his supporters to remain peaceful, he urged them to place their trust in God and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
“Let’s continue to trust in God and God alone. They that put their trust in God are like mount Zion that cannot be removed but abideth forever.’ Psalm 125.
“‘Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank with roots that reach deep into the river. Such leaves are not worried by the heat or by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green and never stop producing fruits.’ Jeremiah 17:7-8.
“My dear people, I humbly request that the admonition of Almighty God and His abiding faithfulness in 1 Corinthians 16:13 which urges us to ‘Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous and be strong’ be our watchword.
“Let our message of Peace, Love, Unity and Growth of Cross River State spread to all the nooks and crannies of the state.
Light shall triumph over darkness. Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning. In God we Trust,” he wrote.
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