A former national publicity secretary of the People’s Democratic Party, Venatius Ikem, Esq, has emerged the Chairman Elect of the party in Cross River State.

Ikem emerged following an affirmative vote by about 1900 delegates from the 18 local government areas of the state.

Besides Ikem, 38 other state executive officers were elected during the Congress.

Speaking while declaring him winner, the Chairman of the Congress Committee, Oke Muo Aro, commended delagates for the peaceful conduct of the exercise.

He said each of the 18 local government area produced two exco members while the remaining three positions went to least represented areas.

He commended members for keeping faith with the party stressing that from his observation thus far, the party is stronger without the governor.

On his part, Venatius Ikem the chairman Elect said said he is humble by the election, be a servant leader and his doors will always remain open.

“I am just your humble servant leader and my doors will always remain open.

“There was a total consensus agreement by everyone and this congress fulfills it.

“This experience has taught me to rededicate my self to the organs of the party.

“I stand on the shoulders of Giants and there is no way I am going to fail.

“I hope to reinvigorate all the organs of the party from the ward level up to the highest level.

“I will also extend my hand of fellowship to all aggrieved members to come back, I also left but came back and elevated to the position of chairman Elect”, he said.

Earlier, the outgoing caretaker Committee Chairman of the party, Efiok Cobham, said he will put all he has to make the incoming exco succeed at their disposal.

He flayed the APC government in the state saying they were denied various venues to conduct their Congress.

He said they will be facing an enemy they created and this is one of the consequences of being in opposition and charged members to work hard and reclaim the state.

The new executive will be inaugurated later in the month by the national leadership of the party.

TodayNG