By Kelvin Obambon
The Senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has said that the suspension of Barr. Venatius Ikem as state chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the subsequent appointment of Chief Austin Edibe as Acting Chairman, was a significant and deliberate step to reposition the Party for future success.
Jarigbe, who is the leader of the Party in Cross River, made this remark in a statement on Saturday, following the suspension of Venatius Ikem on Friday by the state executive committee of the PDP. According to the Senator, the removal of the state Chairman was in line with the provisions of the Party’s Constitution, and that it reflects the will of the majority and the resolute commitment of the Party to strengthen its structures and processes.
The statement reads;
“My dear compatriots in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State,
“Along with other well- meaning Leaders of our great Party, I take responsibility of the goings-on in our Party, not only as your Senator and Leader but as a steadfast member of this great Party, committed to its unity, progress, and unrelenting pursuit of excellence in governance and representation.
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“The decision by the State Executive Committee of our Party to suspend the State Chairman and appoint Chief Austin Edibe as Acting Chairman is a significant and deliberate step to reposition our Party for future success. This action, taken in line with the provisions of our Party’s Constitution, reflects the will of the majority and the resolute commitment of our Party to strengthen its structures and processes.
“Let me begin by heartily congratulating Chief Austin Edibe on his new role as the Acting Chairman of our great Party. Chief Edibe, your selection is a testament to your unwavering dedication, leadership qualities, and capacity to steer our Party toward its desired goals. We have full confidence in your ability to build bridges, inspire confidence, and chart a course that will make our Party the envy of others.
“I also wish to commend the members of the State Executive Committee for their bold and decisive action to reposition the Party. You have demonstrated courage and foresight, prioritizing the collective interest of the PDP above all else. This is the kind of leadership that inspires hope and drives progress.
“To our outgoing Chairman, Mr. Vena Ikem, I express my heartfelt gratitude for your efforts in leading our Party over the past three years. Leadership comes with its unique challenges, and I commend you for your dedication during your tenure. As we transition, I urge you to submit to the decision of the majority, remain a loyal and committed party man, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the PDP in any capacity. We wish you well in your future political endeavors and trust that your wealth of experience will continue to benefit the Party.
“I must also extend my deepest appreciation to the Leaders of our Party across the state—our former Governors, Deputy Governor, Senators, members of the House of Representatives, and the House of Assembly. Your steadfastness and timely intervention have shown that true leadership is about standing up for the Party when it matters most. Your actions have inspired confidence and galvanized our supporters to remain loyal to the PDP.
“To the Leaders of our Party in all Local Government Areas, and to our teeming supporters, I thank you for your unyielding commitment and steadfastness. You are the backbone of the PDP, and your dedication is the reason we continue to stand tall in the face of challenges.
“As your Senator and Leader, alongside our representatives in the House of Representatives and our sole representative in the State House of Assembly, I assure you that we will continue to support the Party in every way possible. Together, we will work tirelessly to make the PDP a force to be reckoned with in Cross River State and beyond.
“Finally, I call on all members of our Party to eschew divisiveness and embrace peace and mutual understanding. Let us remember that the task ahead is not a walk in the park. Rebuilding, strengthening, and repositioning the PDP will require the collective effort of everyone. Let us put aside personal differences and unite for the common good. The future of our Party depends on our ability to work together, hand in hand, for a brighter tomorrow.
“Once again, I congratulate Chief Austin Edibe and thank every one of you for your dedication to this great Party. Let us move forward with renewed determination, knowing that our best days are ahead.
“Thank you, and God bless the People’s Democratic Party.
“Long live Cross River State.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
