Protest Rocks C' River PDP Secretariat Over Move To Reinstate Suspended Chairman  ...As Acting Chairman Supports Action

Ndifereke BASSEY

There was massive protest on Monday at the Cross River secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over an alleged move by the national secretariat to reinstate the suspended state chairman.

The protesters numbering over hundreds were made up chapter and ward executives of the PDP from across the 18 local government areas.

The protesters, who matched round the Slessor Avenue axis and emptied at the party secretariat, threatened to leave the party should the removed chairman, Mr Venatius Ikem, be reinstated.

The angry protesting leaders at the grassroots carried placard with various inscription which reads: "Ikem must go," "all wards and local governments chapter rejects Vena," "the decision of the Cross River State Working Committee (SWC) is the best for the party."

Supporting the protesters, the Deputy Chairman of PDP now the Acting State chairman,  who received the protestants, Chief Dennis Nkiri,  assured them that the right thing will be done for the growth of the party.

"He said: We have not had it easy at all with our former chairman. We lacked direction and hope. But with his removal, the party can now breadth fresh air.

"Most importantly, we need to move forward this this desired change and it is coming at the most auspicious time."

Led by the Calabar Municipality chairman, Mr Bassey Asuquo, the protestants said the removal of Ikem was the best thing to have happened to the party, adding that "the party faithful no longer what Ikem as the party chairman as his leadership had stagnated the growth of the party in Cross River.

"We are here because of the goings-on in the party and we the chapter leadership across the state are in support of anything, including the removal of anyone that will make the party grow.

"The national body should let Ikem go for the good of the party in Cross River. If Ikem is not removed, we will leave the party for him," he stated.

Speaking, Hon. Felix Offiong, the Chapter Chairman of Calabar South, said they are done with Venatius Ikem and no longer want him.

"We have done to tell you people that we don't want Venatius Ikem, we are done with him and no longer want him as the chairman of our party", he said.

Also speaking, Bassey Asuquo, the Chapter Chairman of Calabar Municipality threatened to leave the party for  Vena if he is not removed. He said they are very serious with this issue and insist that Vena should go away.

"We are passing this message that of Vena is not removed, we will leave the party for him. We are very serious on this issue, please let him go away and leave us alone", he said.

On his part, Chief Igwe Godwin, the Chapter Chairman of Obubra and Chairman of Chairmen in the state, said they stand by the people from Obanliku to Bakassi, adding  "the party must develop and they are determined to regain it and also regain Cross River state."

Hailing the protesters, Mike Ojisi, the State Publicity Secretary, said they understand the pains party men are going through.

"We have heard the cry of our party faithfuls  and understand the pains that you undergo

" We are in line with what you people are saying and will surely stand by it", he said.

On her part, Florence Inyang, the State Woman Leader, said the state executive have heard the cry of the people  and the needful will be done.

She said they are fighting for the soul of the party and will not allow anyone to hold the party to ransom.

Earlier, the suspended chairman, Bar. vena Ilem, had described his removal as unconstitutional and threatened legal action against his purported removal.