Cross River: PDP chair upbeats on party’s rebound in state

By Christiana Ekpa

Chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, Venatius Ikem has assured that his party will again bounce back.
In a statement titled, Re-Cross River State PDP Stakeholders’ Meeting held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, he said the stakeholders are consulting and will hold a caucus meeting “after which other meetings will follow as the case should be.”
He said he understands that there was a stakeholders’ meeting of the party held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, in Calabar which was not well attended due to short notice.
“Appropriately, I think it was a meeting of the Caterpillar Movement convened by our former governorship candidate in the last general elections, Prof. Sandy Onor, at least to brief some members of the party and get feedback.
“Perhaps, that explains why many critical stakeholders were visibly absent from the meeting. I even understand that invitations were extended mostly to members within Calabar because obviously, the notice was short. So, members from across the state couldn’t attend.”
He said they will continue to interact with stakeholders to reposition the party as a viable opposition in the state, adding that “There is nothing wrong in the party.
“However, I wish to state that the party leadership is still in the process of consulting for an appropriate date to hold a caucus meeting of PDP after which other meetings will follow as the case should be. In any case, any meeting at all is a welcome development.
“Indeed, we understand the situation and the low spirit after losing the 2023 election to the All Progressives Congress, APC amid high hopes. Let us not despair, but keep hope alive that we shall still conquer.
“All we need in this nick of time is perseverance, commitment, patience, and accepting the truth that we are now in full opposition and deal with it by being resolute in repositioning the party ahead of local government and subsequent elections.”
He assured leaders and party members as well as supporters that the PDP would certainly bounce back.