January 14, (THEWILL) – Ambassador Ogar Osim has emerged the new chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Cross River State.
He emerged following an election which took place at the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Office along Murtala Muhammed Highway in Calabar.
The election had 13 out of 18 political parties accredited to vote for their choice of candidates.
The new IPAC Chairman was subsequently sworn into office and will take charge of the Council during the forthcoming general elections.
Speaking after the excercise, Ambassador Ogar Osim assured all stakeholders that his executive will work assiduously towards ensuring that the general election of 2023 will be free of violence and bloodless.
Osim also disclosed that servant leadership and teamwork shall be the hallmark of his leadership at IPAC.
In his words, “Apart from looking at establishing a functional Secretariat, we will majorly engage all the active political parties in the state, so that we will have a very peaceful, free and fair general election next year.
“We want to ensure that violence is not allowed and that nobody’s blood will be spilled as a result of the election”, he said.
He however disagreed that his election was rancorous, adding that it was only his predecessor, who is chairman of Young Progressives Party (YPP), Anthony Bisong that expressed unhappiness over the process.
National legal adviser of IPAC, Barrister Julius Abure who presided as chairman of election committee from Abuja said the entire processes were very thorough and transparent.
Abure said “The election was conducted peacefully and satisfactorily. But if there’s anyone aggrieved, they are free to utilise all legal processes to challenge.
“Ogar Osim and his executive were freely and peacefully elected”, he submitted.
He cautioned against any form of crisis and charged the new executive to work in concert with the National and State Officers.
In his remarks, ex chairman of IPAC in the state and special adviser to state governor on Inter-Party affairs, Sunday Michael, said they will work with the new executive.
He explained that INEC had the authentic list of participating parties which was used for the election which reason some of the candidates were jolted.
Pix: Ambassador Ogar Osim (Second from left) alongside other IPAC members in Cross River State.
About the Author
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
