Mild drama unfolded on Monday at the Cross River State secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as party members staged a protest against the alleged plan to reinstate the ousted state chairman, Mr. Venatius Ikem.

Protesters from wards and local government chapters across the state gathered with placards denouncing Ikem’s leadership, threatening to leave the party if he is reinstated.

Placards displayed messages such as “Ikem must go“ and “The decision of the SWC is the best for the party.“ According to Mr. Bassey Asuquo, the Calabar Municipality chairman who led the demonstration, Ikem’s removal was necessary for the party’s growth. He accused Ikem of stagnating the party’s progress in Cross River State.

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“We support any decision, including removing individuals, to ensure the growth of the PDP. If Ikem returns, we’ll leave the party for him,” Asuquo declared.

Chief Dennis Nkiri, the deputy state chairman, assured the protesters that the leadership would prioritize the party’s interests. Similarly, PDP State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Mike Ojisi, invoked a Biblical metaphor, saying, “We want Jonah to be removed from the boat for it not to sink.”

Ikem was ousted by the State Working Committee, two weeks ago over allegations of financial misappropriation, high-handedness, and ineptitude. However, Ikem has dismissed his removal as unconstitutional and has threatened legal action to contest the decision.

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