Cross River PDP executives protest reinstatement of suspended chairman

From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar

Ward and chapter executives of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State have protested against the reinstatement of the party’s suspended state chairman, Venatius Ikem.

Ikem was suspended by the State Working Committee (SWC) of the party, but his suspension was later nullified by the National Working Committee (NWC).

The executives, largely from Calabar South and Calabar Municipality, gathered in large numbers at the party secretariat on Mary Slessor Road in Calabar to express their disapproval.

The protesters carried placards with messages such as “We must take back our state,” “Vena must go,” “The decision to suspend is for the best interest of our party,” and “We stand by the decision of the SWC.”

Hon. Felix Offiong, Chapter Chairman of Calabar South, declared that they were done with Venatius Ikem and no longer wanted him as chairman.

“We have come to tell you people that we don’t want Venatius Ikem. We are done with him and no longer want him as the chairman of our party,” he said.

Similarly, Bassey Asuquo, Chapter Chairman of Calabar Municipality, threatened to leave the party if Ikem was not removed.

“We are passing this message: if Vena is not removed, we will leave the party for him. We are very serious about this issue. Please, let him go away and leave us alone,” he said.

Chief Igwe Godwin, Chapter Chairman of Obubra and Chairman of Chairmen in the state, voiced solidarity with party members across Cross River State, from Obanliku to Bakassi.

“The party must progress, and we are determined to regain it and also reclaim Cross River State,” he stated.

Responding on behalf of the party, Mike Ojisi, the State Publicity Secretary, acknowledged the protesters’ grievances.

“We have heard the cry of our party faithful and understand the pains you undergo. We are in line with what you people are saying and will surely stand by it,” he said.

Florence Inyang, the State Woman Leader, also assured the protesters that their concerns would be addressed.

“We have heard the cry of the people, and the needful will be done,” she said. “We are fighting for the soul of the party and will not allow anyone to hold the party to ransom.”