Mr Venatius Ikem has described his alledged removal as the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River by the State Working Committee (SWC) as faulty and against the party’s constitution.
While noting his purported removal to be political, Ikem said he might consider legal action against the act. He made his position known while fielding questions from newsmen in Calabar on Saturday.
Ikem described the allegations against him put forward by the State Working Committee (SWC) as not only baseless, but an attempt made to portray him as misfit for the office he had held for over four years.
It will be recalled that the state’s SWC had on Friday removed Ikem from office as the chairman of the party in the state on allegations of financial misappropriation, high-handiness and ineptitude.
Immediately, the SWC announced Mr Austin Edibe who was the party’s Vice Chairman in the Northern senatorial district of the party in the state as his replacement.
However, 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 programme 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 very strong 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 are 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 that the books were there for everyone to see.
Ikem alleged that insecurity of a sitting senator was behind his alledged removal. According to him, 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,” he said.
We’re re-organising PDP in C’River for future elections – Sen. Agom-Jarigbe
Meanwhile, a member of the National Assembly, Sen. Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe has said the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River has been reorganised to build a strong and united party for future elections. Agom-Jarigbe, a PDP senator representing Cross River North, also took responsibility for Friday’s removal of the PDP Chairman in the state, Mr Venatius Ikem.
This is contained in a statement entitled: “The Suspension of the State Chairman and the Appointment of an Acting Chairman” and made available to newsmen in Calabar on Saturday. The senator said it was high time tough decisions were taken in a bid to reposition the party, adding that whoever was affected by the decisions should submit to the supremacy of the party.
“Along with other well- meaning leaders of our great party, I take responsibility for 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.
“The decision by the State Executive Committee 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,” he stated.
Agom-Jarigbe urged the acting chairman to build bridges, inspire confidence and chart a course that would make the party an envy of others. He expressed his ‘heartfelt gratitude’ to the removed chairman for his efforts in leading the 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 PDP in any capacity. We wish you well in your future political endeavours and trust that your wealth of experience will continue to benefit the party,” he said.
The senator commended party leaders across the 18 council areas of the state for their 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,” he stated.
While pledging his continued support to PDP, the lawmaker called on all members in the state to eschew divisiveness and embrace peace and mutual understanding for the betterment of the party.
“Let us remember that the task ahead is not a walk in the park. Rebuilding, strengthening and repositioning the PDP will require the collective efforts 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,” Agom-Jarigbe said.
The state working committee of the party had, on Friday, removed Ikem on over allegations of financial misappropriation, high-handiness and ineptitude. The removed chairman had, however, debunked the allegations, maintaining that his removal was political.
