The Cross River chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally suspended Mr Venatius Ikem from the position of state chairman.
Naija News understands that the decision was taken by the party’s State Working Committee (SWC) and communicated through a letter dated November 15 signed by all 14 members.
The 18 local government chairmen affiliated to the party also expressed support for the removal of the chairperson during a press conference held at the party secretariat in Calabar on Friday.
The reasons cited for his dismissal include allegations of financial mismanagement, authoritarian conduct, and failure to effectively supervise the PDP state chapter.
The leadership resolution further accused the dismissed chairman of not fulfilling his responsibilities as stipulated in the party constitution.
The draft resolution reads as follows: “On the other hand, his actions are harmful to the interests and welfare of the Party. As a result, he brought the Party into disrepute and brought hatred and contempt.
“If the chairman fails to carry out the party’s lawful orders, does not manage the party’s finances, does not pay party dues, and does not convene or regularly attend meetings as required by the party constitution; .
“If the chairman engages in anti-Party activities, acts that are likely to cause dissatisfaction among Party members, or that are likely to disrupt the peaceful, lawful and efficient business operations of the Party.
“The Speaker violated the provisions of Article 58 of the 2017 People’s Democratic Party Constitution Amendment.
“Meanwhile, we have exhausted all means to address these issues through our internal dispute resolution mechanism.
“And in accordance with Article 59 of the 2017 People’s Democratic Party Constitution Amendment, the Chairman is hereby suspended with immediate effect.”
Naija News understands that the Chairman of the PDP Branch Chiefs Forum, Chief Godwin Abeng, addressed the media on Friday along with his fellow chairmen and said that Ikem’s removal is a positive development for the Cross River Party. There is.
He said the disappointing performance of the PDP in the 2023 general elections was related to the poor leadership of the former chairman.
“We hereby support the SWC’s removal of him and know that the party will now move forward and prepare for the 2027 elections in earnest.”
Following Mr. Ikem’s removal, the party’s Northern Senatorial District Deputy Chairman, Mr. Austin Edibe, has been appointed as the acting chairman of the party in Cross River.
