Governor Ayade Is The Leader Of PDP In C'River And Should Be Respected - Imoke Breaks Silence

Sen. Liyel Imoke

By Obio Monday

Former governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke has finally broken the silence over the internal squabbles plaguing his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in his home state.

The Cross River State chapter of the PDP has been enmeshed in internal crisis over who controls the party in the state, with a faction loyal to Governor Ben Ayade and another faction loyal to founding members and National Assembly members  (recognized by the NWC of PDP) at loggerheads over the soul of the party in the state.

In a press statement dated August 8 and signed by the former governor, he urged all party members to sheath their swords, close ranks and not create factions; working under the leadership of Governor Ben Ayade, who he acknowledged as the Leader of the party in the state.

Sen. Imoke said Governor Ben Ayade, as the Leader of the Party, should accommodate and protect interests of all party stakeholders and ensure balance and fairness.

The statement, titled "Statement On The Forth Coming State Congresses In Cross River State By Senator Liyel Imoke, CON" reads in part:

"Since the emergence of this democratic dispensation in 1999, Cross River State has always been a PDP stronghold. In 2019, our party had an overwhelming victory at the polls, winning elections at all levels. The glory for that victory goes to God and to the support of the good people of Cross River State who have shown commitment and strongly supported the PDP through time.

Over the past few months, we have all observed the seeming dispute and differences within our great Party which emerged after the elections, in the build to the Party Congresses. We have a tradition of managing and resolving disputes. I strongly believe that this one is no different from all the others.

"I hereby call on all stakeholders and party leaders to sheath their swords. This is a time to close ranks and not create factions. We need to work as a team under the leadership of the Governor. As Leader, it behoves the Governor to accommodate and protect the interests of all stakeholders and ensure balance and fairness. The is has always been our way and I am confident that His Excellency will provide the necessary leadership. He should be accorded his due as Governor and Leader of our Party."

He called on the leaders of the party to use the forthcoming State Congress to resolve all differences.

"I urge all our leaders at every level to use the opportunity of the State Congress to meet in caucus and resolve all differences, emerging as one united family. Every leader, from Senators, members of the House of Representatives, to the state assembly members and below should be accorded their due and not disrespected. They should reciprocate same to His Excellency." The statement read.