Peter Okim Emerges Chairman as IPMAN Calabar Unit Holds Elections After Seven Years

Peter Okim Emerges Chairman as IPMAN Calabar Unit Holds Elections After Seven Years

Eriacy Confidence Oba,

Coneri Blog - Calabar

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Calabar unit, witnessed a historic election after seven years of crisis, resulting in the unanimous election of Comrade Peter Okim Abang as chairman. The election, held on Friday, December 1, 2023 at the Navy Officers Mess, Calabar marked a turning point for the association, aiming to restore peace and progress.

Comrade Abang, the immediate interim chairman, secured victory as his main contender, Excellence Petroleum, gracefully stepped down from the race. The election also saw Sunday Edet Oboh becoming vice chairman and Okechukwu Uwazie assuming the role of Secretary, along with a dynamic team of elected officials.

The newly formed 19-member executive committee, headed by Comrade Peter Okim, is charged with the responsibility of unifying members and steering the association towards the path of peace and unity.

Addressing members immediately after the election, the South South Zonal chairman of IPMAN, Chief Lawrence Nworu, congratulated the new Exco, while emphasizing the need for unbiased leadership and unity within the association. 

Chief Nworu urged them to work towards revitalizing the association, emphasizing its crucial role in the petroleum sector. He highlighted the importance of fostering a positive relationship between the government and the private sector for the benefit of all stakeholders.

The former duly elected chairman of IPMAN Calabar unit, Mr. Larry Agim thanked petroleum marketers for coming out en mass for the exercise and for voting massively for Comrade Abang whom he described as a round peg in a round hole. He expressed confidence in Okim's ability to lead the independent petroleum marketers in the state, pledging continuous support for the new Exco. He charged them to carry all members along, including those who have opposed their elections. 

Addressing the press shortly after the election, the new chairman, Peter Okim outlined the new Exco's commitment to uniting its members and ensuring peace, recognizing the role of the association as a significant employer of labor. He expressed gratitude to members for the overwhelming support, promising to take decisive actions that would put the association on the path of progress. He explained that upon inauguration as a caretaker chairman three months ago, he promised to conduct elections to usher in a substantive Exco and expressed satisfaction in the fact he had fulfilled it. He said IPMAN under him would prioritize the welfare of members above all things, committing to carry everyone along. He

 expressed willingness and readiness to partner with the government and the private sector to implement welfare-oriented policies and programs for marketers, citing the keen interest shown by the Governor of Cross River state, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, in contributing to the sector's growth.

The election of a substantive executive is seen as a crucial step towards ending the association's crisis and ushering in a new era of peace, unity, and collaboration for the benefit of both its members and the wider community