A protest erupted at the Peoples Democratic Party secretariat in Cross River State on Monday, as party members expressed opposition to the alleged plan to reinstate the ousted state chairman, Venatius Ikem.
Ikem had been removed from his position two weeks ago by the State Working Committee over accusations of financial mismanagement, autocratic leadership, and incompetence.
The protesters, led by the Calabar Municipality Chairman of the PDP, Mr Bassey Asuquo, declared that Ikem’s removal was necessary for the party’s growth.
Asuquo said, “We the chapter leadership across the state are in support of anything, including the removal of anyone, that will make the party grow.
“The national should let Ikem go for the good of PDP in Cross River. If Ikem is not removed, we will leave the party for him.”
Similarly, Mr. Mike Ojisi, state Publicity Secretary of the PDP, said: “We want Jonah to be removed from the boat for it not to sink.”
Despite the SWC’s decision, Ikem rejected his removal, claiming it was unconstitutional and threatening legal action to challenge the move, according to NaijaNews.
The protest saw party members from wards and local government chapters across the state converge at the secretariat, carrying placards with messages rejecting Ikem’s leadership and supporting his removal. The protesters, led by the Calabar Municipality Chairman of the PDP, argued that Ikem’s ousting was crucial for the party’s growth and unity.
They also warned that they would leave the party if Ikem were reinstated, stating that his leadership had caused divisions within the party. Party leaders emphasized their commitment to any decision that would foster the PDP’s success in the state, and called for Ikem’s permanent removal for the benefit of the party.
In response to the protest, the deputy state chairman assured the demonstrators that the party would take the necessary steps to ensure its growth. The state Publicity Secretary of the PDP also expressed support for the removal, drawing a comparison to a sinking ship that must be corrected for survival.
