• Peter Okim & his colleagues, in Calabar on Monday
… dispells rumour of parallel EXCO
Hon Peter Abang Okim has officially resumed as Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, and he has also opened up activities in the association’s secretariat at the depot.
Hon Okim, on resumption of office, was warmly welcomed in solidarity by a large numbers of marketers and oil sector stakeholders, while he exchanged pleasantries with his IPMAN colleagues on the occasion.
This reporter recalls that the Calabar branch of IPMAN had been embroiled in crisis over its leadership position, a situation which saw the Robert-Obi faction allegedly claiming leadership of the branch without a legal backing.
Speaking shortly after he resumed, the new chairman said IPMAN, as a national association, remained a union for all its registered members and its powers are vested in the head.
According to him, IPMAN in Calabar had existed without an office because the authentic leadership were refused entry into the existing office.
Relying on a supreme Court Judgment which clarified his leadership position, Abang noted that his present EXCOs are the creditors to the Judgment and as such, they are the legally recognised leadership of IPMAN in Calabar.
Abang stated, “IPMAN has been run for the past four years without an election, a situation which was in disregard and abuse of its constitution by some cartels operating without recourse or contribution to Cross River State Government.
“Similarly, the IPMAN and Cross River State Government revenue have been hijacked by some illegal individuals in disregard of the Supreme Court judgement”.
While he thanked the community for being aware of the situation and speaking out, the chairman assured that he would carry everyone along and also ensure the full operation of IPMAN office in line with the supreme court Judgement.
Other committee and EXCO members who spoke with newsmen at the occasion said they would work to facilitate the full operation of IPMAN and ensure businesses boom in the depot.
They urged the marketers, depot workers and the community to stand against any encroachment or chaos by anyone in the guise of “a kangaroo leadership”.
Reacting, a former elected chairman of IPMAN Comrade Larry Agim stated that the only recognised and legal leadership of the association in Calabar is the Peter Okim-led EXCO, adding that any other kangaroo leadership would be in clear disregard of the Constitution of IPMAN and regarded as an illegal entity.
Also speaking, Mr. Okechukwu Ikezie who is the secretary of IPMAN, Cross River State and representative of the Igbo faction of IPMAN in Calabar, emphasized the need to move forward and create a cordial working relationship with the relevant bodies in the sector.
Ikezie also advocated for the establishment of useful ties with the Esuk Utan host community.
Visits where made to the midstream/downstream petroleum regulatory authority and the Commissioner of police, Cross River State Command, for full identification of the new leadership and maximum cooperation and synergy.
Members of the Akwa Ibom State delegation of the association led by the chairman, Comrade Godwin Edem, include Samuel Edet, Comrade Raymond Ekpe, Itoro Sylvester and Daniel Okon Effiong.
