Cross Rivers: We won’t honour directive to reinstate former chairman – PDP stakeholders

Key officials of the leading opposition party in Cross River State, chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have insisted that they cannot be forced to reinstate Mr. Venatius Ikem, as directed by the national headquarters of the party.

The state secretary of the PDP, Mr Anthony Edako, signed a statement insisting that both the National Working Committee, NWC, and the State Executive Committee, SEC, must meet before a decision is taken.

He maintained that any efforts towards reinstating Ikem by the South-South exco were null and void.

Edako cautioned that the National Organizing Secretary overstepped his bounds, adding that his actions were consequently deemed ultra vires.

“Any information or announcements made regarding the reinstatement of the suspended chairman before the NEC meeting with stakeholders from Cross River State takes place and a decision is reached are null and void.

“We will not be swayed by unauthorized and misguided actions that seek to undermine the authority of our party’s leadership. Let’s remain united and focused on our shared goals.”

He also stated that the letter currently circulating on social media, purportedly written by the National Organizing Secretary reinstating the suspended state chairman of the party, was not tenable.

The party insisted that Ikem remains suspended.

“The National Chairman and Secretary are the only authorized officials to issue a directive to reinstate Ikem.

“Based on the recommendation of the Disciplinary Committee of the party in the state, Ikem was suspended on November 22, 2024, and the same was communicated to the National.

“The State Executive Committee, SEC, was invited by the National Working Committee, NWC, and after deliberation, it was unanimously agreed that the National Working Committee, NWC, of our great party would convene a meeting with stakeholders from Cross River State to determine the fate of their suspended chairman.

“The meeting between the NWC and stakeholders from Cross River State has not been convened yet. That meeting is a crucial step in ensuring that the decision-making process is transparent, fair, and in line with our party constitution.”