Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC) Akwa Ibom State Council on Thursday 16th July 2020 unanimously selected and sworn-in a seven-man Interim Executive committee to pilot the affairs of the council pending the conduct of election in the council.
The selection process, which was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere and under the supervision of the national president of IPAC Dr. Leonard Nzewna birthed the following as Interim Executive Committee of IPAC Akwa Ibom Council:
Matthew Akpabio (NNPP) – State Chairman.
Calistus Etim (AA) – Secretary
Aniebiet Emmanuel (PRP) – Publicity Secretary
Blessing Umoh (ADC) – Financial Secretary
Ubong Emmanuel (ADP) – Treasurer
Wellington Odiong (SDP) – Organizing/Welfare
Fred Obot (AAC) – Youth Policy Adviser
Speaking during the occasion, the National Chairman of IPAC, Dr. Leonard Nzewna said the National contingent of IPAC were not in Akwa Ibom State to conduct election but to conduct harmonization of interest adding that no organization can succeed in an atmosphere of rancor. He therefore mandated the committee to seek stronger bond among its members and work towards forging an enabling environment for the conduct of the forthcoming election of the council.
He thanked members of Akwa Ibom Council for as usual, exhibiting orderliness and maturity throughout the selection process urging them to continue to embrace the path of peace even during the actual election. According to him, in every election there must always be the minority whose voice must be heard and the majority who must carry the day, but there must be a deliberate and sustained plan for people to always remain together no matter the divide they found themselves during the election. On this note, he urged members to always seek the path of peace and co-existence.
He used the opportunity to eulogized the Akwa Ibom State government ably led by Mr. Udom Emmanuel for their unwavering effort towards sustaining the physical transformation of the state which began not too long ago but which has moved the state from just a pedestrian state to a destination for all, and in recent time an industrialization driven state. He also thanked the state government for the unpunctuated peace that has prevailed in the state since the emergence of this government.
Speaking during an interview session with newsmen immediately after the occasion, the Special Assistant to Akwa Ibom State Governor on Inter-party Affairs Hon. Dr. Lawrence Udoide thanked members of IPAC for their continued pursuit of peace in the organization of the council in the state. He urged members to always remember that the development of the state must always come after every election. On this premise, he called on them to always remember that Akwa Ibom State is the only state they can call their own, therefore, they must at all time, put all hands-on deck for the development of the state.
In his remarks, the Interim Management Committee Chairman, Pastor Matthew Ukpong expressed appreciation to the national leadership of the body for the opportunity given them to serve and assured that the team will not disappoint IPAC and Nigerians.
It will be recalled that, the national council of IPAC through a letter dated 5th July, 2020 , signed by the National Chairman, sent to Akwa Ibom State Council and other state councils of the federation ordered the dissolution of all interim arrangements in all the states where there was some form of distortion by the de-registration of political party by INEC.
In its place, the council has ordered a new Seven member Interim State Management Committee to be harmoniously be put in place by all the 18 political parties to run affairs of the council in the States pending when date for fresh election is announced and that the seven offices to be filled are that of the Chairman, Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Organizing/Welfare Secretary and Youth Policy Advisor.
The council made it clear that only the 18 political parties registered and recognized by INEC are eligible to be members of IPAC and eligible to hold offices either on interim or permanent basis as detailed in IPAC Code of Conduct
