Calabar, Cross River State – The embattled Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, Barrister Venatius Ikem, has responded to his purported suspension, asserting that the move was politically motivated and lacked genuine justification.
In a detailed statement released on Saturday, November 16, 2024, Ikem alleged that his suspension stemmed from his political stance, particularly his support for Hon. Peter Akpanke and his efforts to reconcile party disputes.
Ikem disclosed a text message purportedly from Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, outlining grievances against him. The allegations included:
- Supporting Hon. Peter Akpanke.
- Overturning the suspension of Hon. Adida Agabi and others in Bekwarra.
- Meeting frequently with the state’s Deputy Governor, Hon. Peter Odey.
Addressing these accusations, Ikem maintained that his actions were in line with his responsibilities as party chairman, stating:
- Neutrality: “As State Party Chairman, I cannot choose which of my members or executives to associate with.”
- Conflict Resolution: “I have an obligation to resolve crises amicably wherever they arise.”
- Inclusivity: “As a leader, I cannot engage in politics of hatred. I welcome dialogue beyond partisan lines for the good of the state.”
Ikem also emphasised his longstanding relationship with Hon. Peter Odey, arguing that their interactions were in the best interest of the state and the party.
He dismissed expectations to inherit personal grievances against the Deputy Governor, saying, “I will not engage in politics driven by inherited hatred.”
The controversy has sparked debates within the PDP, with many questioning the unity and direction of the party in Cross River State.
Below Is The Full-Text Message
“Emana was Sen Sandy’s project. You supported it but today, Sen Sandy and I have gone past that and moved on. Why will I be having issues with you because of Emana. Where is the Emana today?”
“Even life is not forever. You thought you were fooling me. You rushed to Calabar to reverse Adida’s suspension. You have been fighting me but I chose to ignore. I also found out that I was the only one with you in the Leadership. May God judge both of us. I will suffer the repercussions if I am at fault and vice versa. You stopped talking to everyone that stood by Obule because Peter lost out in his machinations to embarrass me. I will definitely not wait to be decimated.”
” My issue with you is simple – You listen to Peter’s lies. His romance with APC is legendary. There are clear signals that he would eventually move but you see nothing wrong with that. You knew of his bargains with APC and you only mentioned it in passing to me, after the election. You even called people to work with Peter against me in Bekwarra. You descended in to the arena, even as State Chairman. Peter thinks he can backstab. I won’t keep my back. There is an obvious fight and I have to face it. Peter and I can’t work together. We have to face each other and you are on his side. You also meet with Peter Odey very frequently. That’s not good for our Party and there were complaints from chairman everywhere.”
“You have held many more positions than me. You started before me and I must defer to you on that. You were not there forever and I won’t be Senator forever. There’s time for everything.”
“I plead guilty to all of them. As State Party chairman I cannot choose which of my members and executive especially elected officials to be friends with. I have had cause to ask Senator Jarigbe who I’m working against him for but he has had no response so far.
“As state Party chairman I have an obligation to resolve crisis amicably wherever it arises. As state Party chairman I have a duty to interact beyond my party. Especially as a citizen of this country and leader of my Party I cannot play politics of hatred, especially inherited hatred to please anyone. If the deputy governor of my state chooses to visit me I consider it an honor and will never turn him away because he is not a member of my political Party!”
“Hon. Peter Odey and I come a long way. If not for politics he is some one we should see daily. I discuss the best interest of my Party with him whenever we see. And the best interest of our State because I always remind him that at my age i am an elder now and must think beyond partisan politics for which his new jocular nickname for me has become simply “elder”. If Senator Jarigbe expects me to hate The Deputy Gov because he hates him I will disappoint him several times over. I have passed that age. And I do not encourage our people to Play that kind of “politics”.
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