Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State took to the streets on Monday, storming the party secretariat with placards to protest against an alleged plan to bring back the removed state chairman, Mr. Venatius Ikem.
The protest reportedly involved PDP members from wards and local government areas across the state. Carrying placards with bold inscriptions, the protesters made it clear they were not happy with the idea of reinstating Mr. Ikem. They even went as far as threatening to leave the party if the decision to remove him was reversed.
Some of the messages on their placards included, “Ikem must go,” “All ward and local government chapters reject Vena,” and “The State Working Committee’s (SWC) decision is the best for PDP.”
Leading the protest, the Calabar Municipality Chairman of the PDP, Mr. Bassey Asuquo, said that Mr. Ikem’s removal was long overdue and the best thing for the party in Cross River State. According to him, Mr. Ikem’s leadership was holding back the party’s progress.
“We, the chapter leaders across the state, fully support actions that will help the party grow, even if it means removing certain individuals,” Asuquo said. “The national leadership should let Ikem remain out for the good of the party. If he is brought back, we will leave the party for him.”
The deputy state chairman of the party, Chief Dennis Nkiri, who addressed the protesters, assured them that the party leadership would act in the best interest of its members and the state. Similarly, the state Publicity Secretary, Mr. Mike Ojisi, remarked, “We need to remove Jonah from the boat so it doesn’t sink.”
It’s worth recalling that two weeks ago, the SWC removed Mr. Ikem, citing allegations of financial mismanagement, high-handedness, and poor performance. However, Mr. Ikem has described his removal as unconstitutional and has threatened to take legal action against the party.