C' River PDP SEC Meets First time In Two Years, Acting Chairman Plans Rebranding 

Ndifereke BASSEY 

Following the crisis that engulfed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River and the subsequent removal of the state chairman, the State Executive Council (SEC) held its meeting for the first time in two years.

The meeting which took place at the state secretariat on Monday under the leadership of the acting chairman, Chief Austin Edibe, the members agreed on rebranding of the party in the state ahead of future elections.

It would be recalled that the State Working Committee (SWC) had on Friday removed Venatius Ikem as the state chairman and appointed Edibe as the acting chairman.

The SWC had attributed Ikem's removal on the allegations of financial misappropriation, high-handiness and ineptitude.

Edibe who was inaugurated into office on Monday, has promised to reorganise the Cross River chapter of the PDP to winning ways.

Members applauded the Chairman for the timely schedule SEC and noted that there could not have been any better time to have a long overdue meeting of the state executive.

The Chairman enjoined members to prepare for better days ahead and gear up for "rebuilding, rebranding and repositioning" of the party ahead of 2027.

"We cannot pretend about the fact that our citizens are suffering, this hardship we are experiencing in the country today is caused by the bad governance policies of the APC. 

"We are all living witnesses to the display of democratic dividends experienced in Cross River North, powered by Senator Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe and our members of the House of Representatives, Godwin Offiono and Peter Akpanke. 

"If that experience down the northern part of the state must go round, then we will need to reorganise our party and re-strategise on the right approach to win elections in 2027 and reclaim Cross River State," Edibe stated

Ikem had described his removal ad political and carried out against the  dictate of the PDP's Co constitution.

The removed chairman had said he will consider approaching the court on this action.