Protest erupts at Cross River PDP headquarters over leadership crisis

The Cross River State office of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) witnessed a significant protest on Monday as party members gathered to oppose the potential reinstatement of their ousted chairman, Venatius Ikem.

The demonstration, which included representatives from various local government areas and wards across the state, highlighted ongoing tensions within the party regarding Ikem’s leadership.

Brandishing placards with messages such as “Ikem Must Go” and “No to Ikem’s Return,” the protesters expressed their dissatisfaction, claiming that his leadership had hindered the party’s growth. They warned that his reappointment could lead to widespread defections from the PDP in Cross River.

Bassey Asuquo, chairman of Calabar Municipality and a key figure in the protest, asserted that removing Ikem was necessary for the party’s progress. “Ikem’s leadership has been detrimental to our success. If the national leadership forces his return, many of us will leave,” Asuquo stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Responding to the protesters, Chief Dennis Nkiri, the deputy state chairman of the PDP, assured them that their grievances would be taken seriously. He pledged that the party would prioritize decisions that ensure stability and growth.

Similarly, Mike Ojisi, the state’s Publicity Secretary, compared the party to a “sinking ship” and urged the removal of what he referred to as the “Jonah” hindering its progress.

The crisis stems from the PDP’s state working committee’s decision to remove Ikem two weeks ago, citing allegations of financial mismanagement and poor leadership.

Ikem, however, has dismissed his removal as unjust and unconstitutional, revealing plans to challenge the decision through legal channels. Despite his pushback, the protesting members remain steadfast in their demand for his permanent removal, arguing that it is crucial to the party’s future in Cross River.