From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The State Executive Committee of the Cross River State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has insisted that its Chairman, Venatius Ikem, Esq, remains suspended.
The party insisted that his suspension will remain in effect until the National Working Committee (NWC) and stakeholders meet to decide otherwise.
The state chapter of the party had, in November last year, suspended the chairman over disciplinary issues.
However, the NWC of the party rejected the decision of the Cross River State chapter of the party and reinstated the embattled chairman.
In a press statement issued in Calabar and signed by the party secretary, Mr Anthony Edako, the party maintained that any purported decision taken to reinstate the suspended chairman without first having this meeting to look into the complaint of the SEC is null and void.
The statement reads in part: “We have been made aware of a letter circulating on social media, purportedly ‘written by the National Organizing Secretary reinstating the suspended State Chairman of our Party.
“We wish to state categorically that this letter is null and void, as it did not emanate from the proper channel having authority to write such letter.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the National Chairman and Secretary are the only authorized officials to write such a letter.
“The National Organizing Secretary overstepped his bounds, and his actions are consequently deemed ultra-vires.
“For the purpose of clarity, on November 20, 2024 the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party dismissed the suspension of the Chair of Cross River State Chapter of our party, Barr. Venatius Ikem, made on November 15, 2024.
“The State Executive Committee (SEC) was invited by the National Working Committee (NWC) and after deliberation, it was unanimously agreed that the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party will convene a meeting with stakeholders from Cross River State to determine the fate of their suspended chairman.
“The meeting between the NWC and stakeholders from Cross River State has not been convened yet, the meeting is a crucial step in ensuring that the decision-making process is transparent, fair, and in line with our Party constitution.
“Therefore, any purported decision taken to reinstate the suspended chairman without first having this meeting to look into the complaint of SEC is null and void.
“We urge all party members and stakeholders to disregard the said letter and continue to recognise the suspended chairman as such.
“Any information or announcements made regarding reinstatement of the suspended chairman until the NEC meeting with stakeholders from Cross River State takes place and decision reached is null and void.
“We will not be swayed by unauthorised and misguided actions that seek to undermine the authority of our party’s leadership. Let’s remain united and focused on our shared goals,” the party said.