By CrossRiverWatch Admin
The speaker of the eight assembly of Cross River State and one time acting Governor, Frank Adah has withdrawn from the Chairmanship race of the People’s Democratic Party in the State.
The congress to select the State executive was billed for March 28, 2020 but suffered several postponements. It is now slated for Saturday, September 18, 2021.
Adah, a federal lawmaker in the seventh National Assembly disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.
This leaves Venatius Ikem, a former national publicity secretary of the party and founding member as the only aspirant.
Ikem’s aspiration is said to have been part of the reason why Governor Ben Ayade left the PDP which led to him pushing for his aide, Alphonsus Eba. Both later defected to the All Progressives Congress.
Mr. Adah who said it was a difficult “political decision” hailed m Jarigbe Agom and Emmanuel Ibeshi for their counsel and pledged to work with Venatius Ikem.
Read his statement below…
“I wish to formally inform every patriotic members of our great party, the PDP in CRS, and my teaming supporters of my decision to withdraw from the race to contest for the post of Chairmanship at the forthcoming State Congress slated for Saturday, 18th September, 2021 in Calabar.
“This is another very difficult political decision and sacrifice I have to take, being the outcome of intensive internal democratic conflict resolution mechanism of the PDP.
“I sincerely thank the leadership of our great party in the state who have individually and collectively been part of what has culminated in this decision. I equally appreciate their kind words of remarks on my sacrifices and commitment to our party at the Local Government, State, and national.
“I like to particularly thank our Distinguished Senator elect, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, for his very wise counsel and friendship displayed all through the process.
“I sincerely thank Hon. Emmanuel Ibeshi for his statesmanship and role along with many other party elders from across the state who demonstrated uncommon resolve for a united PDP in the State. I am very grateful to you all.
“To all my teaming friends and associates, I pray God Almighty to bless you all for the exceptional display of solidarity throughout this period.
“Finally, I congratulate my friend and brother, Barr. Venatius Ikem, who without doubt, is eminently qualified and ready to serve our party as State Chairman. I wish him a very successful tenure. I urge all my supporters to give him the needed support and cooperation.
“As always, I pledge my commitment and loyalty to the PDP. I am confident that 2023 will see our party restored to every position we have always occupied in the Local governments, State, and the nation.
Long Live the PDP!
Long Live Cross River State!!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria !!!
Rt. Hon. FRANCIS BUSAM ADAH
Gwarinpa, Abuja
Nigeria
13/09/21.
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