Cross River PDP Is Consulting With Stakeholders, Would bounce back, Says Ikem, Chairman
By Judex OKORO
The Cross River State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Barr. Venatius Ikem, has assured members and stakeholders that the party will bounce back in the state after losing last year’s governorship elections.
The State Chairman, who made this known in a statement titled “Re-Cross River State PDP Stakeholders' Meeting Held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024" and made available to newsmen in Calabar, said though the spirit is low, but enjoined party men and women to keep hope alive, be patient and resolute ahead of the coming elections.
The statement read in part:
“I understand that a stakeholders' meeting of PDP was held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 in Calabar. Appropriately, I think it was a meeting of the Catarpillar Movement convened by our former governorship candidate in the last general elections, Prof. Sandy Onor, at least to brief some members of the party and get feed back.
“Perhaps, that explains why many critical stakeholders were visibly absent from the meeting. I even understand that invitations were extended mostly to members within Calabar, because obviously notice was short. So, members from across the state couldn't attend. Besides, we shall continue to interact with stakeholders with a view to repositioning the party as a viable opposition in the state. There is nothing wrong in the party.
“However, I wish to state that the party leadership is still in the process of consulting for an appropriate date to hold a caucus meeting of PDP after which other meetings will follow as the case should be. In any case, any meeting at all is a welcome development.
“Indeed, we understand the situation and the low spirit after losing the 2023 election to All Progressives Congress (APC) amid high hopes. Let us not despair, but keep hope alive that we shall still conquer.
“All we need in this nick of time is perseverance, commitment, patience, and accepting the truth that we are now in full opposition and deal with it by being resolute in repositioning the party ahead of local government and subsequent elections. “
Ikem, however, assured the leaders and teeming party members as well as supporters that PDP would certainly bounce back.
