The Cross River chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially suspended Venatius Ikem from his position as state chairman.
The decision was taken by the party’s State Working Committee (SWC) and communicated through a letter dated November 15, which all 14 members signed.
Also, the 18 local government chairmen of the party expressed their support for the chairman’s removal during a press conference held at the party’s secretariat in Calabar on Friday.
The reasons cited for his dismissal include allegations of financial mismanagement, authoritarian behaviour, and a failure to oversee the state chapter of the PDP effectively.
The leadership’s resolution further accused the ousted chairman of not fulfilling his responsibilities as stipulated in the party’s constitution.
The resolution reads: “Whereas, his actions have been detrimental to the party’s interest and wellbeing; and as a result, he has brought the party into disrepute, hatred and contempt;
“Whereas the Chairman neglects to carry out lawful directives of the party, mismanages the finances of the party, does not pay party dues and does not call for meetings or attend meetings regularly as required by the party’s constitution;
“Whereas the Chairman engages in anti-party activities and conducts likely to cause disaffection among members of the party or is likely to disrupt the peaceful, lawful and efficient conduct of the business of the party;
“Whereas the Chairman has contravened the provisions of Article 58 of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party 2017 as amended;
“Whereas, we have exhausted all avenues to address these issues through internal dispute resolution mechanisms;
“And in pursuant to Article 59 of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party 2017 as amended, the Chairman is hereby suspended from office with immediate effect.”
The chairman of the forum of chapter chairmen of the PDP, Chief Godwin Abeng, addressed the media on Friday in the company of fellow chairmen, stating that Ikem’s removal is a positive development for the party in Cross River.
He linked the disappointing performance of the PDP in the 2023 general elections to the inadequate leadership provided by the former chairman.
“We hereby endorse his removal by the SWC and know that the party will now progress and also start preparation for the 2027 elections in earnest,” he said.
Following Ikem’s removal, Austin Edibe, Vice Chairman of the northern senatorial district of the party, was appointed as the party’s acting chairman in Cross River.
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