The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat in Cross River State witnessed resistance from aggrieved party members who protested against the alleged plan to reinstate the ousted state chairman, Venatius Ikem.
The protest occurred on Monday and was led by the Calabar Municipality Chairman of the PDP, Mr Bassey Asuquo, who declared that Ikem’s removal was necessary for the party’s growth.
The State Working Committee (SWC) had removed Ikem two weeks ago over allegations of financial misappropriation, high-handedness, and ineptitude.
However, Ikem has rejected his removal, describing it as unconstitutional and even threatened legal action to challenge the decision.
However, PDP members from wards and local government chapters across the state converged at the secretariat, armed with placards bearing inscriptions such as “Ikem Must Go”, “All Wards and Local Governments Reject Vena”, and “The Decision of the SWC is the Best for the Party”.
The protesters also threatened to leave the party en masse if Ikem is reinstated, claiming his leadership style has created divisions within the party.
The Deputy state chairman of the party, Chief Dennis Nkiri who received the protesters assured them that the right decisions would be made. Similarly, the state Publicity Secretary of PDP, Mr Mike Ojisi supported the removal of Ikem.
