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Tag: PDP

  • C’River: PDP Chairman, Vena, Mulls Court Action Over Alleged Removal, Says Action Political

    C’River: PDP Chairman, Vena, Mulls Court Action Over Alleged Removal, Says Action Political

    Mr Venatius Ikem has mulled legal action over his alleged removal as the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River by the State Working, saying the process Les we’re faulty and  unconstitutional.

    Explaining that his purported removal is political, Ikem said he has done his best to reposition party and reconcile some internal wranglings aimed at bringing peace and unity.

    Fielding questions from newsmen in Calabar at the weekend, he described the allegations against him put forward by the SWC  as not only baseless, but an attempt made to portray him as misfit for the office he has held for years.

    Recall that the State Working Committee (SWC) had on Friday removed Ikem from office as the chairman of the party alleging financial misappropriation, high-handiness and ineptitude.

    Read Also: My purported suspension as Chairman of PDP – Barr Vena Ikem

    In his place, the SWC announced Mr Austin Edibe, who was the party’s Vice Chairman in the Northern senatorial district of the state, as his replacement.

    Reacting to the development, Ikem said: “Like they always say, you give a dog a bad name when you want to hang it. The truth is that to the best of my knowledge, I run one of the most efficient excos of our party.

    “We meet regularly and I think in the last quarter or so we have had two stakeholders meetings we have our regular State Committee meetings  and the stakeholders meetings.

    “Secondly, I think there must be issues to discuss, whenever there are issues and programmed I am always there, we just had a party revalidation exercise this year, we had the party congresses this year we performed well.

    “The last local government elections, we stood up strongly and I am very proud of our outing despite the outcome given the circumstances.

    “To me, I know and everybody knows that i am doing my best to run the party within the context we find ourselves. so talking about not holding meetings or ineptitude leadership is completely out of the question.

    “One of the problems I see in PDP is the hangover of being in government, we have been in government for so long that many people have never experienced being out of government.

    “They believe that things should be the way it used to be when we held sway in government house.

    “The drastic change to being an opposition party is not being properly absorbed by our members so their expectations is usually not what is possible in terms of availability of welfare, availability of funds for this and that.but even given that we have done very well.

    “The national assembly members have been very supportive, they have programmes and even with some stipends to support us monthly.”

    On the allegation of misappropriation of fund, Ikem who said he ran a cashless policy, said the books are there for everyone to see.

    Ikem alledged that insecurity of a sitting Senator was behind his alleged removal, adding “my crime is that I am supporting Hon. Peter Akpanke against him (Senator). I don’t know whether anybody is contesting against him in 2027.

    “He used to say Peter wanted to contest against him, but Peter has said he is not contesting against him so I’m supporting Peter against him. Those are the underlying political issues.

    “These ones are just cover ups to say they have a valid reason. The real reason is political that I should not be supporting Peter.

    “For me, the same support I give to him is the same support all my elected officials are entitled to. it does not matter the positions they hold  so I cannot support him as a senator more than I am supporting other members.”

  • Suspension of Vena and appointment of Edibe as Acting Chairman is a deliberate step to reposition PDP for future success – Senator Jarigbe

    Suspension of Vena and appointment of Edibe as Acting Chairman is a deliberate step to reposition PDP for future success – Senator Jarigbe

    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.

    Read Also: C’River: PDP Chapter Chairmen Forum reaffirms suspension of Venatius Ikem as State Chairman

    “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.”

  • My purported suspension as Chairman of PDP – Barr Vena Ikem

    My purported suspension as Chairman of PDP – Barr Vena Ikem

    Yesterday was not a surprise but  I have already lost the zest for the office.

    I want to say that I was not “suspended “for any  reason other than political. I will publish hereunder only two of my chats with Senator Jarigbe to buttress the point and leave you to judge.

    He stated my crimes clearly to include:

    1. Support for Hon. Peter Akpanke!

    2. Rushing to Calabar to upturn the suspension of Hon. Adida Agabi and dozens of others suspended in Bekwarra on his orders !

    3. Seeing His Excellency Hon. Peter Odey too often!

    The text message.

    “Emana was Sen Sandy’s project. You supported it but today, Sen Sandy and I have gone past that and moved on. Why will I be having issues with you because of Emana. Where is the Emana today?”

    “Even life is not forever. You thought you were fooling me. You rushed to Calabar to reverse Adida’s suspension. You have been fighting me but I chose to ignore. I also found out that I was the only one with you in the Leadership. May God judge both of us. I will suffer the repercussions if I am at fault and vice versa. You stopped talking to everyone that stood by Obule because Peter lost out in his machinations to embarrass me. I will definitely not wait to be decimated.”

    My issue with you is simple – You listen to Peter’s lies. His romance with APC is legendary. There are clear signals that he would eventually move but you see nothing wrong with that. You knew of his bargains with APC and you only mentioned it in passing to me, after the election. You even called people to work with Peter against me in Bekwarra. You descended in to the arena, even as State Chairman. Peter thinks he can backstab. I won’t keep my back. There is an obvious fight and I have to face it. Peter and I can’t work together. We have to face each other and you are on his side. You also meet with Peter Odey very frequently. That’s not good for our Party and there were complaints from chairman everywhere.

    You have held many more positions than me. You started before me and I must defer to you on that. You were not there forever and I won’t be Senator forever. There’s time for everything.”

    I plead guilty to all of them. As State Party chairman I cannot choose which of my members and executive especially elected officials to be friends with. I have had cause to ask Senator Jarigbe who I’m working against him for but he has had no response so far.

    As state Party chairman I have an obligation to resolve crisis amicably wherever it arises.
    As state Party chairman I have a duty to interact beyond my party. Especially as a citizen of this country and leader of my Party I cannot play politics of hatred, especially inherited hatred to please anyone. If the deputy governor of my state chooses to visit me I consider it an honor and will never turn him away because he is not a member of my political Party!

    Hon. Peter Odey and I come a long way. If not for politics he is some one we should see daily. I discuss the best interest of my Party with him whenever we see. And the best interest of our State because I always remind him that at my age i am an elder now and must think beyond partisan politics for which his new jocular nickname for me has become simply “elder”. If Senator Jarigbe expects me to hate The Deputy Gov because he hates him I will disappoint him several times over. I have passed that age. And I do not encourage our people to Play that kind of “politics.”

  • C’River: PDP Chapter Chairmen Forum reaffirms suspension of Venatius Ikem as State Chairman

    C’River: PDP Chapter Chairmen Forum reaffirms suspension of Venatius Ikem as State Chairman

     

    By Kelvin Obambon

    Chapter Chairmen Forum of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River has backed the suspension of Barr. Venatius Ikem as State Chairman of the party. Ikem was earlier suspended by the state executive committee of PDP on Friday November 15, 2024.

    Addressing a press conference later on the same day, the Chapter Chairmen of PDP in the 18 local government areas of the state, who converged at the party secretariat, Mary Slessor Avenue, Calabar, said they were firmly behind the decision of the state exco to suspend the Chairman.

    According to the Forum, the PDP under Barr. Venatius Ikem, lacked leadership direction, and on that basis “the state executive committee comprising of the state working committee and the 18 Chapter Chairmen of our great party, the People’s Democratic Party, confirmed the suspension of our state Chairman, Barr. Venatius Ikem for lack of leadership direction, misappropriation of party funds and disregard for higher leadership and authority that makes for supremacy of the party.”

    “We are here as the Chapter Chairmen Forum of PDP to state categorically that we cannot leave our party to die. Our sacrifices for over four years and some months now, is to see how we can sustain this party, how we can rebuild this party after we lost some of our leaders such as the former governor of our state and other critical stakeholders.

    Read Also: Calabar Sports Club inaugurates new BoT in line with Companies and Allied Matters Act

    “As chairmen of our party who automatically are caucus in our various local government areas, we put it upon ourselves to see the way which we can drive this process of rebuilding and bringing back out party. One person cannot drag us behind at every given time. We know some of our leaders are tired because of this direction of leadership. We have come as a forum to reaffirm the decision of the state executive committee, that today being the 15th of November, 2024, the State Chairman, Barr. Venatius Ikem is being suspended and a Acting Chairman has been appointed to take the affairs of our party to the level that we all desire.

    “PDP has been the party in Cross River but due to the poor leadership of the head of the party, we are where we are. We know all of you are aware of what we are passing through. We want to remove that firewood that is bringing that smoke and see how light will come to this party. Because of that lack of leadership direction we lost our 2023 general elections to the level at which a lot of leaders have defected. Our Chairman lacks understanding. Our Chairman lacks the charisma of carrying everybody along. Our Chairman lacks advice. He refused to understand that at any given point, leadership is to carry those who are your subordinate along.

    “Our party is an institution that we all know. It’s a family, and as a family in Cross River we don’t want to lag behind as other states are striving seriously to continue to rebuild the party towards 2027. We are firm in our stake as critical stakeholders in our various local government areas. As opposition party that we are today we don’t want to take chances. We want to work hard to see how we can be in power in 2027 for the betterment of our people and for our great state, Cross River.”

    The Forum added that consequent upon the suspension of Barr. Venatius Ikem, “the Vice Chairman, North, Chief Austin Edibe, who is from the same Zone/Area with the suspended Chairman as enshrined in Article 45 of the Constitution of the People’s Democratic Party, 2017 as amended and he shall assume duties of the Acting Chairman until a new Chairman is elected.”

    Members of the Forum in attendance included Chief Igwe Godwin Abeng, Chapter Chairman of Obubra and Chairman of the Forum; Orok Bassey Duke, Chapter Chairman Odukpani; Chief Felix Offiong, Chapter Chairman of Calabar South; Odidi Emmanuel, Chapter Chairman of Ogoja; Victor Bassey, Chapter Chairman of Abi.

    Others were Julius Eyam, Chapter Chairman of Ikom; Hon. David Ogbule, Chapter Chairman Bekwarra; Ayang David Ayang, Chapter Chairman Etung; Hon. Eji Friday, Chapter Chairman Yala; Fabian Patrick, Chapter Chairman Boki; Bassey Asuquo, Chapter Chairman Calabar Municipality; among others.