Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC), Cross River State branch has issued three months ultimatum to Cross River State governor Bassey Otu, to conduct local government elections for impact of governance to be felt by grassroot people.
IPAC gave the ultimatum in Càlabar at the end of an enlarged IPAC general meeting which took place on June 12, to mark Nigeria’s democracy day.
Speaking with newsmen IPAC chairman, Cross River State, Engr. Effiom Okon, stated that the call became necessary in view of directives of federal government and court rulings on local government autonomy regarding the election.
A six- point resolution reached at IPAC enlarged meeting, signed by Chairman IPAC , Cross River State, Engr. Effiom Okon, State Secretary, Omari Eje, read to members by IPAC State Publicity Secretary, Maxwell Odigha, urged National Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to dig deep into management and disbursement of local government funds.
The resolution which delves on the topic “Urgent Call For Local Government Elections In Cross River State”, the group chairman Engr. Effiom Okon, the group stated that polls mean inclusive governance where those in the villages will have privilege to also participate in governance.
“The Cross River State Government must conduct local government elections without delay, before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) takes over.
“This is not only a constitutional requirement, but also a necessary step towards grassroots development.
“The conduct of local government elections is a constitutional mandate, as enshrined in Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Local Government elections will provide privilege for marginalized communities that lacked representation at the state and federal levels to participate in governance.” IPAC resolution maintained.
The group requested for Statutory Special Adviser on Inter-Party from state government as they were longer comfortable to work with Nkoyo Otu, who they alleged caused the group so much pain.
