The Cross River State chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) says it supports Governor Bassey Otu’s directive for the arrest of those responsible for attacks on political actors.
Latest: Cross River news today: latest from Calabar and across the state
Key Highlights
- Cross River IPAC backs Governor Bassey Otu’s directive to arrest those behind attacks on political actors.
- IPAC chairman Effiom Okon called for peaceful, issue-based campaigns ahead of 2027.
- The council plans a statewide tour of all 18 LGAs to inspect and assess government projects.
- IPAC will hold a statewide political parties peace walk starting December 5.
Addressing journalists in Calabar, the state Chairman of IPAC, Effiom Okon, described the governor’s directive as an important step towards protecting political participation and strengthening democratic institutions in the state.
Consequently, IPAC called on all political parties, political actors, candidates and their supporters to embrace peaceful political engagement, issue-based campaigns and responsible political communication.
“No political ambition should be pursued at the expense of human lives, public peace or the democratic rights of others,” Okon said.
He reaffirmed IPAC’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles, political tolerance, peaceful political engagement, accountable governance and the protection of the constitutional rights of all legally recognised political parties in Cross River State.
“IPAC believes that a healthy democracy thrives on constructive engagement, mutual respect, responsible opposition and the freedom of political parties to express their opinions and pursue their legitimate political interests without intimidation, harassment or violence,” Okon stated.
“While every political party remains at liberty to operate independently and advance its political interests, membership of IPAC carries responsibilities and obligations just as the council will continue to uphold its constitution, established principles and code of conduct.”
The IPAC chairman further charged party members to demonstrate discipline, maturity and respect for the collective ideals of democratic governance.
Read also:
Statewide Assessment Tour of 18 LGAs
The council announced its intention to embark on a comprehensive statewide assessment and engagement tour covering all the 18 local government areas of the state.
The purpose of the exercise, according to the chairman, is to physically inspect government projects, assess their level of implementation, evaluate their impact on the people, identify areas requiring government’s attention and provide constructive recommendations that will strengthen service delivery and democratic accountability.
Peace Walk Ahead of 2027 Elections
In another major initiative towards promoting peaceful political participation and strengthening democratic values ahead of the 2027 general elections, IPAC announced a statewide political parties peace walk.
The peace walk, the chairman further explained, is designed to demonstrate the collective commitment of political parties and their supporters to peaceful coexistence, political tolerance, unity in diversity and credible democratic participation.
He said the event, which kicks off on December 5, will bring together political party leaders, candidates, aspirants, party faithful, supporters, youth organisations, women groups, civil society organisations and other stakeholders across the state.
For more Cross River news and updates, follow us on X.
