By Abasi Ita—Calabar
The internal wranglings rocking the Cross River State chapter of the People Democratic Party PDP has taken a new dimension following the suspension of the State Chairman of the Party by the State Working Committee,Vena Ikem Esq.
The suspension of Ikem, who assumed office over three years ago was hinged on the unanimous decision of members of the SWC, which is the highest decision making organ of the party at the state level.
In a swift move, the SWC has equally elevated the State Vice Chairman North, Chief Austin Edibe as the acting State Chairman of the party pending while Julius Udayi is now the acting Vice Chairman North pending the constitution of a new exco.
The suspension was conveyed in a letter dated November 15, 2024 and endorsed by all about 41 out of the 42 members of State Working Committee comprising zonal officers and 18 chapter chairmen of the party.
Findings by Summit Post News revealed that the suspension got the tactic endorsement of all major stakeholders of the party notably former governors, serving and erstwhile lawmakers at both federal and state level as well as other top brass of the PDP.
The resolution of the SWC suspending Barr. Venatius Ikem cited direliction of duties as outlined in the party constitution as a major offence which triggered the drastic decision.
According to the resolution which reads in parts : “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, mismanage 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 People’s Democratic Party, 2017 as amended;and
“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 People’s Democratic Party, 2017 as amended, the Chairman (Barr. Venatius Ikem) be and is hereby suspended from office with immediate effect.
“The Vice Chairman, North (Chief Austin Edibe), who is from the same Zone/Area with the suspended Chairman as enshrined in Article 45 of the Constitution of The people’s Democratic Party, 2017 as amended and he shall assume duties of The acting Chairman until a new Chairman is elected.
“As the law abhors vacuum, Mr. Julius Udayi shall replace Chief Austin Edibe as The acting Vice Chairman, North, pending when the Party will convene to elect new Executives.
“The removed chairman shall return all Party properties and documents in his possession immediately.”