Protests have ensued from efforts by officials of Cross River Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to re-install the ousted Chairman, Mr. Venatius Ikem.
As the move crystalise, party faithfuls converged on the state secretariat in Calabar, voicing their strong disapproval over the potential reinstatement of the party’s ousted state chairman.
Members from various local government areas and wards across the state gathered, holding placards expressing their dissatisfaction with the former chairman’s leadership.
The protesters made it clear that if Ikem were reinstated, they would consider leaving the party.
Some placards boldly declared their stance with messages like “Ikem must go,” and “The decision of the Cross River State Working Committee (SWC) is the best for the party.”
The protest, led by the chairman of Calabar Municipality, Bassey Asuquo, emphasized the belief that removing Ikem was a necessary step for revitalizing the party’s fortunes in the region.
Asuquo and other local leaders spoke passionately about how Ikem’s leadership had hindered the progress of the PDP in Cross River.
They argued that his actions had caused stagnation and division within the party, which they believed was detrimental to its overall growth.
“We fully support any measure, including the removal of Ikem, that will help the party move forward,” Asuquo stated. “If the national leadership reinstates him, we’ll have no choice but to leave.”
The protest gained further momentum with comments from Chief Dennis Nkiri, the PDP’s deputy state chairman, who assured the demonstrators that the party’s leadership was committed to doing what was best for its development.
Mike Ojisi, the party’s state Publicity Secretary, added a metaphorical warning, saying, “We want Jonah to be removed from the boat for it not to sink.”
Ikem’s removal, which took place two weeks ago, followed serious accusations of financial mismanagement, authoritarian leadership, and poor performance.
However, the former chairman has contested the decision, labeling it as unconstitutional, and has threatened to seek legal action to reverse it.
Despite his protestations, the anger among local party members remains palpable, with many insisting that his exit is non-negotiable for the future of the PDP in Cross River.
