The acting chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Cross River, Austin Edibe, on Monday, assumed office after taking the oath of office administered by a lawyer, Raymond Manga Edibe, a former vice-chairman of the party in Cross River northern senatorial district was appointed acting chairman following the removal of Venatius Ikem.

Mr Ikem was removed on Friday on the allegation of financial misappropriation, high-handedness, and ineptitude by the party’s State Working Committee.

After assuming office, the acting chairman called for collective action to reposition the party in Cross River.

He said that in running the party, he would be guided by the party’s constitution and also promised to launch the PDP to winning ways through the support of all.

Mr Edibe promised more interaction with the leadership and other stakeholders of the party in the state.

“The event of the past few days is in line with the constitution of the party and I feel humbled to be appointed to run the affairs of this party. It is not by coincidence to be the vice-chairmen of the zone where the immediate past chairman is from.

“This shows the strength of our party constitution. As a party, let’s always be guided by this constitution. Going forward, we will serve with all our might, we will do things collectively, I can’t claim to know everything. We will all work together for the benefit of the party,” he said.

The acting chairman said that in spite of his oppositional role, the party remained strong and loved by the people. According to him, the party is loved by the people.

The deputy vice-chairman of the PDP in the state, Dennis Nkiri, said the party was on a revival journey.

(NAN)