C'River PDP Crisis: State Executive Committee Insist Chairman Remains Suspended Untill NWC, Stakeholders Meet
Ndifereke BASSEY
State Executive Committee of Cross River State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has insisted that the Chairman, Venatius Ikem, Esq, remains suspended untill the NWC and stakeholders meet to decide otherwise.
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 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 letter and if it is a communication that is to be publicized to the general public, it is the National Publicity Secretary that has the responsibility to do so.
"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 Worki 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 reason for the dismissal of the suspension communicated to the State Executive Committee of the Party and conse« upon that, the State Executive Committee of the Party on November 22, 2024 suspended the State Chairman based on the recommendation of the Disciplinary Committee of the State and communicated same to the National.
"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 t 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."
