Wike is a big asset for PDP – Cross River party chairman

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Cross River State, Venatius Ikem, has described Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as a big asset for the party.

Ikem spoke in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST in Calabar.

“Wike remains a PDP member,” he insisted.

Ikem stated that Wike’s grievances will be addressed by the party soon.

“I believe he remains an asset to the party. Being cautious is not fear.

“I believe the PDP appreciates the asset in Chief Wike and wouldn’t want to lose him out of frustration with his anger. He will come around.”

The Cross River PDP chairman also spoke about defections in his party, saying, “I won’t be surprised to see more defections because there is a lot of hunger in the land occasioned by APC leadership failure in the state and country.”

But he disclosed that there are APC members in the state that have approached him to return to PDP in the days ahead.

“I can tell you that we are holding some people back from defecting to PDP for now for strategic reasons best known to us.”

Ikem added that those that have left the party have helped to clean up their ranks as the chaff have been separated from the wheat.

“Defection from PDP is a purification, not weakness. PDP in the state is being purified to showcase the real passionate believers in the party.”