…As PDP Reinstates Vena Ikem At Reconciliation Meeting
By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
The senator representing Cross River North senatorial district at the upper chamber of the National Assembly, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe and his two counterparts in the lower chamber of the National Assembly, representing Ogoja/Yala federal constituency, Godwin Offiono and the member representing Obanlikwu Bewarra/Obudu federal constituency, Mr Peter Akpanke have refuted claims in certain quarters that the trio were warming up to defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The National Assembly lawmakers made the remarks during the Peoples Democratic Party’s reconciliation meeting which took place at the residence of Senator Jarigbe, yesterday at Ogoja, local government area of Cross River State.
Jarigbe, who spoke on behalf of the other two lawmakers advised party faithful to be united and resilient despite the many travails faced by the party, reassuring the them that the party remains strong and formidable.
He accused some disgruntled APC members who had fallen out of favor with the governor of dissipate their energy attempting to destabilize the PDP under the guise of a coalition, stressing that the same coalition was the group who formed support for former Governor Liyel Imoke’s re-election bid.
Commenting on the viability of the North ahead of the 2027 elections, he said, “The North remains the stronghold of the PDP in Cross River State. With this reconciliation, our party can grow stronger.”
On the reconciliation of aggrieved members of the party, Jarigbe said, “Let this reconciliation come from our hearts. Since we are in the season of Lent, let this be our penance.”
In the same vein the rep member representing Obanlikwu, Bewarra/ Obudu federal constituency, Mr. Akpanke encouraged party faithful to remain steadfast in their support for the PDP, dismissing rumors of his defection to the APC.
Also in his remarks, the rep member for Ogoja, Yala federal constituency, Offiono, expressed gratitude to the constituents for their continuous support and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the party.
Newly reinstated state chairman if the PDP, Venatius Ikem apologized and promised to carry every one along, even as he lauds Senator Jarigbe for his role in resolving the crisis and ensuring party unity.
He apologized to party leaders and members for the recent instability within the party and pledged to provide better leadership for the party.
