Over 500 defectors from the Southern senatorial district of Cross River who hitherto pitched their political tents in various political parties, have moved to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The southern senatorial district comprises of seven local government areas of Akpabuyo, Akamkpa, Bakassi, Biase, Calabar Municipality, Calabar South and Odukpani.
Receiving the defectors at the State PDP Secretariat, Mary Slessor Avenue in Calabar, the Chairman of the party in the state, Barr. Venatius Ikem, assured them that none would be victimized as the PDP is poised on offering all a level playing ground.
“I want to allay the fear of anyone who feels that you will not be treated well because you left the party before now and just returned back, or because you are joining PDP newly.
“It is better to return home where comfort exists no matter how long or far you have been out. Just return back to your home and your home will receive you,” Ikem said.
The state PDP chairman who used the opportunity to address reasons that led to the party’s poor outing during the last general election in the state and federal levels, blamed it on internal crisis, admitting that the challenge also slowed down the PDP in the state from carrying out its functions as the main opposition party in the state, after the elections.
“The problem that led to our loss were internal, hence we have been trying to put our house in order because one must put his house in order before coming out.
“We were unable to resolve our problems, but today, a year after the elections, we are glad that our house is in order.
“Our silence after the elections too, has been strategic and calculated, but I am glad that you are the first delegation to return when our house is in order.
“It takes a lot of courage, besides, it is exceptional for you all from the Southern Senatorial district, to return and I am hopeful that many would soon return to find comfort in our political tent,” Ikem said.
The chairman
further enjoined them to return to their various political wards to register formally and get their party cards as a lot are in the offing for party faithful.
State PDP Vice chairman (South) Asuquo Ekpo, remarked that “we are happy to receive you back. This decision you have taken today, I urge you to hold on to it, as you go, tell others to join you and all of you will be offered your rightful positions.”
One of the defectors, Hon. Abel Bassey informed that he had made a stop over at the ruling All Progressive Congress in the state, before staging a comeback to PDP.
According to him, the great works of some PDP leaders especially in the Northern senatorial district where the likes of Senator Jarigbe Agom, Hon. Peter Akpanke among others exist, spurred him and others to return.
“We pledge to mobilize others to ensure that the PDP reclaim this state, please take us back as the prodigal son since we have sinned, realised our sins and have decided to return to our real fold,” Bassey said.
On her part, a female defector, Nkoyo Effiong Essien explained that, “I went to APC to have a taste of their soup, but it wasn’t palatable, so I had to return to PDP.”
Earlier, PDP Chairman (registration) for the Southern Senatorial district, Barr. Ekpo Adai, reasoned that the district decided to set the pace for others to follow.
Pointing to the crowd of defectors, he said, “these people realised that there is need to take refuge under a shed and God prevailed on them to return to their roots, we are indeed glad that they listened to the voice of their Maker and today they are here with us.”