The crisis rocking the Cross River State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seems to be far from denouement, as the State Executive Committee (SEC) maintains that the suspended Chairman, Venatius Ikem, remains suspended until the National Working Committee (NWC) and key stakeholders meet to address the situation.
However, in Bayelsa State, Governor Douye Diri allayed the fear of cracks in the party, saying the party was firmly on the ground and remained the only platform for aspiring politicians to actualise their dreams.
In a statement issued in Calabar by the Cross River PDP Secretary, Anthony Edako, the SEC dismissed a letter allegedly from the National Organising Secretary, which suggested Ikem’s reinstatement.
The party, however, declared the letter “null and void,” insisting it did not follow the proper channel. According to the statement, only the national chairman and secretary are authorised to issue such a directive, with the national publicity secretary responsible for public communication.
“The National Organising Secretary acted beyond his powers,” the statement emphasised. Urging party members to disregard the circulating letter, the SEC called for unity, urging everyone to stay focused on the party’s collective goals.
DURING the PDP SEC meeting held in Yenagoa, yesterday, Diri noted that PDP had produced different political office holders from the state, including a former President, and that it remained the party to beat in the state.
The Bayelsa helmsman enjoined members not to be distracted by rumours but close ranks for the party’s growth. The governor also stated that the PDP had yet to conduct its South-South zonal congress. He explained that zonal congresses were earlier scheduled for February 22, but that the NWC of the party postponed that of the zone after four South-South governors wrote to the national leadership that the date was not convenient.
He said the report of the purported congress in Calabar, Cross River State, was equally rejected by the national leadership and that a new date would be fixed for the zonal congress.
Meanwhile, the people of Ogbia Local Council have apologised to the governor and the party for the action of the suspended zonal legal adviser, George Turnah.
