Sen. Jarigbe, Offiono, Peter Akpanke, Northern Stakeholders Endorse PDP Reinstatement of Vena As Chairman
From Atim MGBE, Ogoja
The three National Assembly members and People Demonstrate Party (PDP) northern stakeholders have endorsed the reinstatement of Venatius Ikem as Cross River state chapter chairman.
Ikem and the party have been in running battle for quite some time untill the National Working Committee of PDP waded in and reinstated the chairman last week.
Following the development, the stakeholders in the North convened a peace meeting to review political situation and after extensive deliberations with critical party leaders resolved to work as a team and rebuild the party ahead of 2027.
At the meeting, the three NASS PDP members, representing Ogoja/Yala, Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku federal constituencies and the Senator representing Northern senatorial district restated their commitment to the party.
Besides, the stakeholders addressed the contentious issues surrounding the reversal of the suspension of the State Chairman of PDP, Barr. Vena Ikem, resolved to continue to hold reconciliation meeting to further cement the unity of the party.
at the residence of Sen Jarigbe Agom, the senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District.
Speaking at the meeting, Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, the leader of the PDP in Cross River State, reassured members that the party remains united despite recent challenges.
He accused some disgruntled APC members, who had fallen out of favour with the Governor, of attempting to destabilise the PDP under the guise of a coalition.
Insisting that "PDP remains strong and resilient," Jarigbe noted that this same coalition was originally formed in support of Governor Liyel Imoke’s re-election bid.
“The North remains the stronghold of the PDP in Cross River. With this reconciliation, our party will only grow stronger.
“Let this reconciliation come from our hearts. Since we are in the season of Lent, let this be our penance.”
Addressing stakeholders, Hon. Godwin Offiono expressed gratitude to constituents for their continued support and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the party.
He commended Sen. Jarigbe for his exceptional leadership and dedication to attracting democratic dividends to the senatorial district, urging party members to remain united and resist any form of distraction in the party.
Similarly, Hon. Peter Akpanke encouraged party faithful to remain steadfast in their support for the PDP. Dismissing rumors of his defection, he stated:
“I am not defecting to the APC. I remain a committed member of the PDP, this is my home."+
Also speaking, the state chairman, Hon Vena apologised, promising stronger leadership style going forward.
In his remarks, Hon. Vena Ikem thanked Sen. Jarigbe for his role in resolving the crisis and ensuring party unity.
"I apologise to party leaders and members for the recent instability within the party and pledged to provide better leadership moving forward.
Other party leaders from various local government areas (LGAs) commended the NAss members for the initiative, calling for continued unity and reaffirming their commitment to the PDP.
