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Tag: Ndoma -Egba

  • Why PDP lost in general election – Ndoma- Egba

    Why PDP lost in general election – Ndoma- Egba

    Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, has lashed out at the Peoples Democratic Party for its highhandedness and impunity, saying those were causes of the party’s failure in this year’s elections.

    Ndoma-Egba, who represents Cross River State’s Central Senatorial District, told reporters in Calabar that the party needs the shock treatment it got from the elections to realize that things were not properly done while it was in control of the country affairs.

    Several supporters of the Senate Leader had last week left the PDP for the All Progressives Congress, but he said that although there was pressure on him to move, he has not taken a decision yet.

    He stated, “If I want to take any major political step, I will tell you directly. One thing I found amusing is that anybody who leaves PDP today to any other party in Cross River State is an Ndoma-Egba supporter. Meanwhile, the story before now was that I had no supporters. So where are the supporters coming from? The pressure for me to move also is from every quarter, but it is for me to reflect on it. For now I would say I am managing it and I have survived it so far.

    “I think that there is an oversimplification of the dynamics in our politics in Cross River today. We are no longer thinking deeply. We are no longer analyzing issues. We have become mentally lazy. When mental laziness comes in it breeds impunity and impunity breeds arrogance. So that is where we are and we are paying a very high price for the impunity that has become a culture in our party.

    “Our concern should be how do we ensure that the will of the people is what is reflected. If the will of the people reflect one party, so be it. But if the will of the people reflect something else, my appeal is that the powers that be should let the will of the people prevail. One big lesson that we have learnt from this election is that impunity is not sustainable. It can only hold for a while but in the long run it is not sustainable. It is going to be costly and we are seeing the price we are paying.”

  • Ndoma-Egba, Akume, Saraki mourn colleague

    Ndoma-Egba, Akume, Saraki mourn colleague

    Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba yesterday described the death of Senator Uche Chukwumerije “as a sad loss for Nigeria”

    Senate Minority Leader Senator George Akume and Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology Chairman Bukola Saraki expressed deep sadness and shock.

    In a statement in Abuja, Ndoma-Egba also described the late Chukwumerije as a political giant and one of the nation’s finest legislators.

    He said: “He was eclectic, cerebral and did not suffer fools gladly. He was one of a kind.”

    Ndoma-Egba insisted that Chukwumerije  would forever be remembered for his deep love for Ndigbo, which was manifested in his relentless struggle for the total political and social emancipation of the race over time.

    Akume said the nation had lost one of its legislative titans.

    He added that Chukwumerije was an embodiment of hardwork, patience, experience and a quintessential gentleman-activist.

    The Senate Minority Leader said the late Abia North senator would be remembered for his principled stand on the issue of unity, patriotism and love of his geopolitical zone and country.

    Akume said: “Senator Chukwumerije was a nationalist, true democract, courageous and respected elder statesman whose robust debates on national/international issues will be greatly missed. I pray Almighty God to console the family and grant his soul eternal rest.”

    Saraki described the late senator as one of the towering pillars of the 7th Senate.

    He described his debates and contributions on the floor of the red chamber as incisive and thought provoking.

    The Senator representing Kwara Central said: “Chukwumerije would be remembered for the many truce he brokered between the Federal Government and the academic and non-academic staff of the nation’s tertiary institutions which in no small measure led to stability and academic growth in the country.

    “His loss is a painful one. His contributions to Nigeria will not be easily forgotten.”

  • Ndoma-Egba’s supporters join APC in Cross River

    Ndoma-Egba’s supporters join APC in Cross River

    Supporters of Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba, especially those from Cross River State Central, yesterday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Leader of the defectors, Ernest Irek, told reporters at the APC secretariat in Calabar, the state capital, that they would add value to the party and not create friction.

    Irek, who was the director-general of the Victor Ndoma-Egba Campaign Organisation in the PDP, said scores of his supporters in the six local governments under the senatorial district would soon join APC.

    He said many of them had been marginalised in the PDP, adding: “We have forgotten about the party.”

    APC state Chairman Usani Usani urged the defectors to register with their new party in their wards.

    The chairman said the party believes in internal democracy, adding that the new members should abide by the party’s principles and guidelines.

  • Ndoma-Egba: Cross River can’t complain about marginalisation

    Ndoma-Egba: Cross River can’t complain about marginalisation

    Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN) represents Cross River Central in the Senate.  In this interview with NICHOLAS KALU, shortly after a reception was held for him in Ikom, his home town,the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain reflects on the senatorial primaries, which he lost, and the implications of losing the position of the Senate Leader for the Southsouth state.  

    How do you feel about this reception, despite the fact that you lost the senatorial re-nomination?

    First of all, I am deeply touched by this show of affection. Given our environment, where you are in a kind of situation I am in, yuo just take their leave and move to greener pastures. But, to see them, I am deeply touched. I have told them that I remain in the PDP, which is the party that has given me the opportunities and I will remain a loyal member. Secondly, I remain in politics. I am not leaving politics. This is just a bend on the road. It is not the end of the road. So, I will remain in politics to lend my voice to the people and continue to contribute my quota. I am not bitter about the exercise at all. I don’t have the capacity for bitterness. These are all worldly things. I have made peace with myself and everybody

    Many feel there are danger signs to democracy, due to what transpired at party primaries? What was your perception?

    The first thing I noticed after the primaries of the major political parties, which are the PDP and APC is that there was a lot of traffic outside PDP to the APC and there was no corresponding traffic from the APC to the PDP. It just shows one thing which is that the processes in one party were more acceptable and the processes in the other party were less acceptable. Where the process is transparent, people are bound to accept the result, but where it is not transparent, it will bring dissent and resentment. So you now begin to manage tension and resentment to a level that should not be. So our challenge is to make sure the parties enjoy internal democracy, because the parties are the vehicles through which democracy is delivered. So, if you don’t have internal democracy within your party, then you cannot give what you don’t have. People must have the opportunity of competing fairly. All of us must advocate internal party democracy. I think we are all beginning to see the price may have to pay for the impunity in the party.

    Why has the National Assembly refused to legislate on internal democracy?

    You know we have been tinkering with the legal infrastructure for some time. If you recall some time ago, INEC had a major role to play in party primaries. People complained about the dictatorship of INEC in that process and so we now decided to reduce the role of INEC to mere observation. But it now appears that we did not get it right. So we just keep tinkering. So the essential thing is that the basic legal infrastructure for internal party democracy is there. It is an attitude thing. We have not just developed the right attitude to say let there be a level playing ground and a fair chance for all to compete.

    What is your reaction to the PDP chairman, Adamu Muazu’s comment on using and dumping members?

    It is the party itself that should act. The president himself is the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The party has its leadership and I am sure people were aware of the goings on in the party. The party just appeared to be helpless at that point in time. I just hope that helplessness would not be at a high price to the party. But the time has come for us to advocate for internal democracy in political parties. That is the way to go because clearly the impunity is not sustainable at all. The way we are going, it can only take us for a short distance.

    How do you feel about the opposition gaining momentum in the Cross River State?

    Well we would have to work far harder than we have done in the past. The new strength of opposition is from members of PDP, who felt short changed and just moved there to seek an avenue for fulfilling their aspirations. So, it is us in the PDP that have given strength to opposition. And I tell you what my worry is. In the past two or so election, there was hardly any opposition party that was able to field candidates in all positions. Today, we have several that have candidates for every position, which means that they are getting more confident and more daring. So, I just pray we are not arrogant about the way we deal with the situation. We must go right back to the fundamentals. We must begin to engage ourselves and make peace. We must work harder and make sure anybody that has left for one grievance or the other is brought back to the fold. This is not a time for arrogance. We must go back because these people who are now in the opposition or those so disaffected saying they will not vote are our members. We must begin to engage them in a very constructive and sincere way.

    What exactly has Cross River lost in a sensitive position as the Senate Leader?

    Well, a few months ago you followed me round the state where we inspected only 41 out of 75 projects that are ongoing in the state. I am worried whether or not they will be able to secure funding for them. A lot of them may end up being abandoned. That is the immediate implication. Two, the position of Senate is quite a conspicuous position. Because as Senate Leader you are the liaison with the executive and you are the liaison with the party. You sit as the chairman of the party’s caucus. So, we lose that visibility. The voice gives you some mileage which we are losing. But, for me, it is the loss of the argument against marginalisation. It means that we as a state can no longer complain about marginalization. Because they will ask, you are marginalised? When we give you, you reject it. When you take what happened elsewhere, Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Chief Whip, Deputy Chief Whip and my deputy were unopposed. It was only Cross River that said, no, we don’t want. How do you tomorrow turn around and make any argument for marginalisation when the nation had given you an opportunity and you say you don’t want.

  • Ndoma-Egba…Fourth time unlucky

    Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba was lucky thrice to have represented his people at the National Assembly. He looked set to win the ticket of his party to return the fourth time. Unlike the executive arm of government, the legislature has no fixed term. A representative can go back for as many times as his people want him.

    A group of professionals and residents of the central senatorial district in Cross River State threw their weight behind his fourth term bid.

    The professionals said they arrived at their decision after a careful analysis of the performance of the senator who represents the district.

    After their meeting in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area, the group agreed that hardwork and good performances should be encouraged.

    According to them, the senate leader is a very important figure at the federal level and Cross River should not throw that away.

    Outlining some his achievements, Dr Benitrus Okim, who spoke on behalf of the group, said he has sponsored the highest number of bills in the seventh senate of the federal republic of Nigeria and led the senate and contributed immensely to the stability of the senate.

    Okim continued: “He has executed more than 70 viable projects in his constituency. He has awarded more than 500 scholarships to indigenes of the district. He has fought for the territorial integrity of the state.

    “He has sponsored over 200 pilgrims to Jerusalem and Saudi Arabia. He has in line with the federal government on agriculture and food supply and sustainability provided large volumes of agricultural inputs to farmers in the district.

    “He has trained and empowered about 500 indigenes of the district on Small and medium scale enterprises and provided them with start-up capital.

    “He has vigorously fought for the interest of the state. He has shown total and unalloyed support to the party in the state and at the national. He has facilitated the employment of more than 500 people from the state.  He earned the accolade of the governor of the state as the stabiliser of the PDP in the state.”

    Also another socio-political group, the Grassroot Movement has called for Ndoma-Egba to continue.

    Coordinator of the group, Comrade Efobe Ogar Ojong, said it has become imperative for the senate leader to continue if the people are to further benefit the essence of pragmatic leadership.

    He said the country has sentimentally departed from the system where a “performing, altruistic and experienced senator” is given the opportunity to continue to serve as many times as possible for the good of the country.

    He said the track records of the senator in both giving infrastructal development in his constituency and effective leadership in the senate are so rewarding and outstanding that his group decided to drum support for his continuity.

    He urged the people to be informed that what is most important to them is the strategic position their person occupies in government.

    He said if he is replaced it would take “impossible” years to attain his height.

    The party’s delegates thought otherwise. They voted for change in the person of the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Hon. John Enoh.

    Ndoma-Egba is crying blue murder, saying the exercise was devoid of fairplay. Others, such as Nollywood star Kate Henshaw who particpated in the PDP-organised primaries in the state but lost out, have hailed the process, saying the best men and women won.

    The party’s Appeal Panel obviously saw no merit in Ndoma-Egba’s cry.

    What happens next? Tomorrow will surely tell. For now, Ndoma-Egba is leaking his wound. Or is he cokking something we do not know of yet?

    The last word here is: the rule of law must always supercede ambitions.

    enate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba was lucky thrice to have represented his people at the National Assembly. He looked set to win the ticket of his party to return the fourth time. Unlike the executive arm of government, the legislature has no fixed term. A representative can go back for as many times as his people want him.

    A group of professionals and residents of the central senatorial district in Cross River State threw their weight behind his fourth term bid.

    The professionals said they arrived at their decision after a careful analysis of the performance of the senator who represents the district.

    After their meeting in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area, the group agreed that hardwork and good performances should be encouraged.

    According to them, the senate leader is a very important figure at the federal level and Cross River should not throw that away.

    Outlining some his achievements, Dr Benitrus Okim, who spoke on behalf of the group, said he has sponsored the highest number of bills in the seventh senate of the federal republic of Nigeria and led the senate and contributed immensely to the stability of the senate.

    Okim continued: “He has executed more than 70 viable projects in his constituency. He has awarded more than 500 scholarships to indigenes of the district. He has fought for the territorial integrity of the state.

    “He has sponsored over 200 pilgrims to Jerusalem and Saudi Arabia. He has in line with the federal government on agriculture and food supply and sustainability provided large volumes of agricultural inputs to farmers in the district.

    “He has trained and empowered about 500 indigenes of the district on Small and medium scale enterprises and provided them with start-up capital.

    “He has vigorously fought for the interest of the state. He has shown total and unalloyed support to the party in the state and at the national. He has facilitated the employment of more than 500 people from the state.  He earned the accolade of the governor of the state as the stabiliser of the PDP in the state.”

    Also another socio-political group, the Grassroot Movement has called for Ndoma-Egba to continue.

    Coordinator of the group, Comrade Efobe Ogar Ojong, said it has become imperative for the senate leader to continue if the people are to further benefit the essence of pragmatic leadership.

    He said the country has sentimentally departed from the system where a “performing, altruistic and experienced senator” is given the opportunity to continue to serve as many times as possible for the good of the country.

    He said the track records of the senator in both giving infrastructal development in his constituency and effective leadership in the senate are so rewarding and outstanding that his group decided to drum support for his continuity.

    He urged the people to be informed that what is most important to them is the strategic position their person occupies in government.

    He said if he is replaced it would take “impossible” years to attain his height.

    The party’s delegates thought otherwise. They voted for change in the person of the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Hon. John Enoh.

    Ndoma-Egba is crying blue murder, saying the exercise was devoid of fairplay. Others, such as Nollywood star Kate Henshaw who particpated in the PDP-organised primaries in the state but lost out, have hailed the process, saying the best men and women won.

    The party’s Appeal Panel obviously saw no merit in Ndoma-Egba’s cry.

    What happens next? Tomorrow will surely tell. For now, Ndoma-Egba is leaking his wound. Or is he cokking something we do not know of yet?

    The last word here is: the rule of law must always supercede ambitions.

  • Ndoma-Egba, Chukwumerije, Lokpobiri, Uba, others bid National Assembly bye

    Ndoma-Egba, Chukwumerije, Lokpobiri, Uba, others bid National Assembly bye

    They never saw it coming. Their plan was to walk-over their challengers and get the tickets to represent the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But they got it all wrong as they kissed the National Assembly bye, writes Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu. 

    How are the mighty fallen? They exuded confidence before the parliamentary primaries. But, when the wheat were separated from the chaff, their egos were bruised. The so-called Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gladiators were demystified at the shadow poll.

    Losers

    Chukwumerije

     In Abia North Senatorial District, ebullient and fork-tongued Comrade Uche Chukwumerije, the combative wordsmith and Information Secretary under the military administration of Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), fell at the primaries. His political strength failed him. Next year, he would bow out of the Senate after two terms.

    Ndoma-Egba

    In Cross River State, legal luminary and Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, lost his deposit at the primaries. It was a keenly contested exercise. The senator, who has been elected three times, was floored by the House of Representatives member, John Owan Enoh. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) will be missed in the Upper Chamber by his colleagues – Senate President David Mark and his deputy, Dr. Ike Ekweremadu.

    Ugbesia

    In Edo State, former minister Senator Odion Ugbesia also lost at the primaries. In the Senate, he is the Chairman of the Committee on Commerce and Trade. The senator from Edo Central, was elected in 2007. His godfather, elders statesman Chief Tony Anenih, could not save him.

    Itulah

     Also, House of Representatives member Friday Itulah, who represents Esan Southeast Northeast in the Lower Chamber of the House of Representatives could not make it.

    Aguariavwodo

    The tenure of Emmanuel Aguariavwodo will be brief in the Senate. He was elected during the senatorial by-election in Delta Central, following the death of Senator Pius Ewherido. His attempt to clinche the ticket of the PDP for his Senatorial Zone failed.

    Lokpobiri

     In Bayelsa West, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who was first elected on the platform of the PDP, failed in his third term bid. From 1999 to 2003, he was a  member of the House of Assembly. He was the Speaker until May 2001.

    Ola

     In Ekiti Central, Senator Bode Ola’s dream was dashed. Although Governor Ayodele Fayose was rooting for his candidature, pressure by notable monarchs made the governor to back out. Instead of Ola, former House of Representatives member Mrs. Fatimah Rasaki, was endorsed by stakeholders.

    Gbajabiamila

     On Lagos Central, Hakeem Gbajabiamila, an engineer and  former Commissioner for Water Front and a one-time governorship aspirant in 2007, could not make it. He was defeated at the primaries by the PDP governorship candidate in the 2011 election, Dr. Adegboyega Dosunmu.

    Winners

    Mark:

    Senate President David Mark has secured the ticket in Benue South for the fifth time. He was set to defeat Chief Mike Onoja, who hurriedly withdrew from the race. Nevertheless, the shadow poll was held and he scored 384 votes to pick the ticket. There was jubilation in Otupko, Okpokwu, Ado, Ogbadibo, Agatu, Oju, Obi, Ohimini and Apa local governments which constitute the constitute the district. If the PDP retains power in next year’s poll and he defeats his APC challenger, the retired General may retain his seat as the Senate President.

    Suswam:

    Following the withdrawal of the former PDP National Chairman, Chief Barnabas Gemade, from the senatorial race in the Northeast, the coast was clear for Governor Gabriel Suswan to emerge as the flag bearer. The lawyer had earlier protested moves by the PDP national leadership to make him step down for Gemade. If Gemade defects to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and he gets the ticket, the battle will become more interesting.

    Aku:

    In Benue North, Mike Aku was elected by delegates. But, the battle will now shift to the general election where he will have to face a lot of heat from the APC candidate, former Governor George Akume.

    Ekweremadu:

    Ike Ekweremadu is the Deputy Senate President. The lawyer fought a big battle to retain the ticket. He survived pressure on him to step down. Senator David Mark threw his support behind him. In fact, he travelled to Enugu State to drum support for him among constituents. Both have worked harmoniously in the Senate.

    Manager:

    Senator James Manager is s strong politician. He is also a lucky man. When Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan unfolded his ambition for the Senate, people thought that his time was up in the Senate. But, through serious horse trading, wheeling and dealing, the governor was compelled to step down.

    Uba:

    Eselu Chris Uba has sacked his brother, Senator Andy Uba. At the primaries monitored by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, he won the ticket. A parallel primary election of the PDP also produced another candidate. But, it is doubtful, if the party will accept the result.

    Kashamu:

    Billionaire businessman Prince Buruji Kashamu emerged as the PDP senatorial candidate in Ogun East. Ahead of the primaries, former Governor Gbenga Daniel had stepped down, following the partisan heat. The ticket will further embolden Kashamu in his anti-Olusengun Obasanjo politics and enable him to consolidate his hold on the district chapter.

    Adeyemi

     Despite stiff opposition from a former Senator, Tunde Ogbeha and former Governor of the old Western Region, Gen. David Jemibewon (rtd), Senator  Smarth Adeyemi has clinched his party’s ticket to represent the Kogi West Senatorial District. the threats by the duo to stop the third-term bid of the former Presdent of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) collapsed like a pack of cards at the part’s shadow poll.

  • ‘Cross River PDP congresses ‘ll be fair’

    ‘Cross River PDP congresses ‘ll be fair’

    •Ndoma-Egba: I won’t participate

    The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) electoral panel assured party members that today’s rescheduled congresses will be fair.

    At a meeting with the stakeholders at the party’s secretariat, the panel’s Chairman Chidi Egiogu said: “We are going to conduct this exercise in line with the electoral guidelines following due process. I expect you to handle this election in the spirit of sportsmanship by accepting whatever will be the outcome in the interest of this great party.”

    PDP State Chairman Ntufam John Okon assured the panel of cooperation.

    The ward congresses held on November 1 were cancelled by the party’s national leadership, following allegations that the result was doctored by members of the electoral panel.

    But Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba distanced himself yesterday from the rescheduled ward congresses.

    In a statement in Abuja, Ndoma-Egba, who is seeking a re-election to represent Cross River Central, said he would not participate in today’s rescheduled ward congresses.

    The November 1 ward congresses in Cross River Central were among those being disputed.

    The senator reminded those who rescheduled the congresses that the November 1 congresses were sub-judice because they had become a matter of litigation at competent courts in the country.

    He said: “I will not participate in the rescheduled ward congresses for Cross River State by the PDP, scheduled to hold on November 24.

    “I know as a fact that the November 1 ward congresses in Cross River State is sub-judice as it is the subject of pending litigations before a Federal High Court in Abuja and the Cross River State High Court.

    “I also know that the court, before the congresses were rescheduled to the November 24, issued hearing notices to the parties to the suit that judgement will be delivered on November 24.

    “I am a lawyer of 36 years standing, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Leader of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Nigeria’s highest law-making body.

    “I, therefore, will not do anything to undermine the sanctity of our judicial process and the Judiciary.

    “Our institutions are far more important than my personal ambition; indeed, any person’s ambition.

    “Our democracy will never be complete without the rule of law. We must, therefore, give the Judiciary her place and respect.”

     

  • Ndoma-Egba campaign organization rejects cancellation of ward congresses

    Ndoma-Egba campaign organization rejects cancellation of ward congresses

    THE Director-General of the Victor Ndoma-Egba Campaign Organization, Mr Ernest Irek, yesterday rejected the reported cancelation of the November 1, 2014, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ward congresses to elect adhoc delegates in Cross River State.

    Reacting to newspaper reports which quoted that the national publicity secretary of the party, Olisa Metuh, as saying that the congresses in Cross River and two other states had been cancelled and rescheduled for next Monday, Irek said, “I want to state very clearly on the side of the Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba campaign organization that whatever has been ascribed to the cancellation is vehemently rejected by us.

    ” He said the group was not happy with the development because they had prepared themselves for the next stage of the contest. His words, “Nobody has communicated to us what has happened. And as far as we are concerned, our position is still the same as it was after we won the first November 1, 2014 ad hoc elections. If you recall, this matter is in the court and the court has reserved ruling. I don’t know why the party is in such a hurry to circumvent what the court would do.

  • Group warns Ndoma-Egba against ‘campaign of calumny’

    Group warns Ndoma-Egba against ‘campaign of calumny’

    A group, the Cross River Truth Coalition (CRTC), has urged Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba to stop his campaign of calumny against Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke and the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    In a statement yesterday by its General Secretary, Okokon Bassey, the group said: “Rather than speak on issues, we have watched with shock the continuous use of lies as a political tool by the Senate Leader’sý campaign organisation.”

    The group said an example was the claim by Ndoma-Egba’s campaign chief, Ernest Irek, on a television programme was that in Cross River State, roads were built on loyalty to the governor.

    The group wondered how somebody could make such a claim on a national television network, when his partner, who also appeared on the programme with him, Mr. Venatius Ikem, was the Works Commissioner until two years ago.

  • Cross River PDP suspends Ndoma-Egba, Jeddy-Agba, others

    Cross River PDP suspends Ndoma-Egba, Jeddy-Agba, others

    IN a move that has surprised many, Cross River State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday said it has suspended some top members of the party in the state. The state chairman of the party, Mr John Okon, listed the suspended members to include the Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba. Others are the member representing Ikom/Boki federal constituency, Chris Etta; governorship aspirant, Goddy Jedy-Agba; Dr Sandy Onor; Mr James Tambang; Mr Tony Mkpang; Mr Livinus Odigha; Dr Godwin Igile; Mr Kenut Ndoma-Egba; Mr Samuel Willie; Mr Obitam Ettah; Mr Venatius Ikem and Mr Ernest Irek.

    He, however, said Ndoma- Egba and Etta have been referred to the national office of the party. “We don’t have the power to suspend Senator Victor Ndoma- Egba and Hon Chris Ettah. The constitution of the party says because they are members of the national assembly, any case against sucp people should be referred to the national assembly,” he said. Okon said the suspension was due to a petition brought to the party in relation with the recently concluded ward congresses. “For those suspended, they were accused of corrupting the delegates election,” Okon said.

    Speaking further, he said, “We had some challenges. Following the just-concluded delegates congress, a lot of issues occurred. We have some party members that have ridiculed the party and gone against party rules. “Some of them have gone to court against party rules. Some have been induced to compromise the system. And some other party members from across the state have sent petitions to me.

    And I had to summon the party exco in the state to sit over them. Meanwhile the Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba, has dismissed reports of his purported suspension from the PDP as “a rumour and a “non-issue.” Senator Ndoma-Egba told newsmen in Abuja that while he was yet to be officially notified of the purported suspension, the move by the Cross River chapter of the party will amount to nothing.

    “I’ve heard the rumour; I don’t believe that the state chapter of the PDP will display such crass ignorance. “If they did, then, it’s a pity and quite unfortunate. It would be a comedy of very frustrated people, as far as I’m concerned.” The Senate Leader promised to throw more light on the issue at the appropriate time.