C' River: Bullem Takes Over As 6th PDP State Chairman, Promises Repositioning Party Ahead of 2027 Elections
Bassey BASSEY
Barley two weeks after the resignation of former Cross River Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Francis Abang Bullem has been inaugurated as the 6th State chairman of the party.
Bullem was ratified as the substantive state chairman at the party’s State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting held on Thursday at the party's State Secretariat in Calabar.
The SEC acknowledged and accepted the resignation of the former State Chairman, Mr Venatius Ikem in accordance with Article 47, Sections 5 and 6 of the PDP Constitution (2017), as amended.
Bullem is a seasoned banker and former PDP governorship candidate. As at the time of elected as chairman, he was the Director General of the party Governorship campaign in the state
In his acceptance speech, Dr Bullem thanked the party members for their trust and confidence reposed in him, saying the moment calls for leadership and partnership across all organs of the party. We must the united, open and committed to the affairs of the party.
"With a heart full of gratitude and humility, I accept my nomination and swearing in as the sixth state chairman of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, Cross River State.
“I assume office at one of the most trying times in our party history. This moment calls for unity, partnership and healing at every level and across all of the organs of the party.”
"I Promise to reposition the party ahead of 2027 election. But It is calls for sacrifice, dedication and shared interest even as we work for common goal. I pledge to lead with integrity, lead with concerns and courage that we shall weather the storms.
"I will not take the party and its members for granted. I will lead you with all my ability to victory. We are one in the party and there is room for everyone.
"We are one party and there is room for everyone. There is no victory, no vanquish,” Bullem stated. “Together we must serve with purpose and honor the sacrifices that have sustained us as a party and as a people.”
Bullem pledged to lead with integrity, listen to members’ concerns, and build partnerships to strengthen the party ahead of the general elections.
He thanked party leaders, including the presidential candidate, Senator Sandy Onor, board of trustee members, and governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, as well as the state working committee, executive committee, candidates and stakeholders for their support.
In his remarks, the party's governorship flag bearer, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong described the moment as significant after a difficult period for the party. He recounted challenges including defections and internal strains but said the party had emerged stronger.
Jarvis, said: "Bullem came at the nick of time when the party was left in limbo following the resignation of its former chairman. We are back on stage with the new chairman.
"We call on our members who had doubt to cast such away as the party is prepared to take up the challenge. We are prepared psychologically, spiritually and economically for the battle ahead."
Archibong paid tribute to the former chairman’s long service while expressing confidence in the new leadership, saying
“To our new chairman, we believe in you 100 percent. We trust in your abilities. You have been a combatant in the private sector. You are a party man. And we know that we can trust you. And we know that our future has begun from today.”
He urged party members and Cross Riverians across divides to work together for the state’s recovery and announced plans for a “Rainbow Coalition,” while keeping the door open for defectors.
Speaking earlier, the State Secretary of the party, Chief Joe Obi Bisong, welcome members to this special event and added that Bullem is coming at a time the party needed a leader with strong character and right frame of mind to stand the bumpy road ahead."
He said the party leadership will work with the new chairman to reposition and bring back the lost glory
“We received his letter, and in line with Article 47 sub 6 of our constitution which states that once a vacancy has been created in the committee of the party, the relevant organ of the party should sit down, nominate somebody for that same role and then swear the person into office,” Bisong said.
He noted that the state working committee met, adopted a nominee from the same zone, and presented Bullem, describing him as a long-standing member who joined the party in 1998, a seasoned banker, and a former governorship aspirant who contested the 2014 party primaries.
For coverage of news, events and Niche publications, contact THE BEAGLE NEWS team on 08069200309; +234 803 499 6752; +234 813 036 1896 & +234 906 308 910. We are objective, credible and give voice to the voiceless.
