The Cross River State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially suspended Venatius Ikem from his role as state chairman. This decision was made by the party’s State Working Committee (SWC) and was conveyed in a letter dated November 15, signed by all 14 members.
Additionally, during a press conference at the party’s secretariat in Calabar on Friday, the 18 local government chairmen expressed their backing for Ikem’s removal.
The reasons for his suspension include accusations of financial mismanagement, authoritarian conduct, and ineffective leadership of the state chapter of the PDP.
The leadership’s resolution further indicated that the ousted chairman failed to adhere to his responsibilities as outlined in the party’s constitution.
The resolution stated: “His actions have been harmful to the party’s interests and have brought disrepute, disdain, and contempt upon us;
“Furthermore, the Chairman has neglected lawful directives, mismanaged party finances, failed to pay dues, and regularly neglected to convene or attend meetings as required by our constitution;
“He has engaged in anti-party activities that could foster discontent among members and disrupt the peaceful and efficient functioning of the party;
“He has violated Article 58 of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party 2017 as amended;
“Despite our attempts to resolve these matters through internal dispute resolution channels,
“Therefore, in accordance with Article 59 of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party 2017 as amended, the Chairman is hereby suspended from his position with immediate effect.”
Chief Godwin Abeng, the chairman of the forum of chapter chairmen of the PDP, spoke to the media alongside other chairmen, asserting that Ikem’s removal is a positive step forward for the party in Cross River.
He attributed the disappointing performance of the PDP in the 2023 general elections to the lackluster leadership exhibited by the former chairman.
