Petroleum Stakeholders, Host Communities Back Okim-Led IPMAN Exco, Oust Obi from Secretariat

Petroleum Stakeholders, Host Communities Back Okim-Led IPMAN Exco, Oust Obi from Secretariat

Stakeholders of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Calabar Unit, alongside youths from host communities, have backed the interim executive committee led by Comrade Peter Okim Abang, while moving to eject Mr. Obi Robert from the association’s secretariat.

The stakeholders and community youths who stormed the IPMAN Secretariat in Calabar on Monday, May 4, 2026, insisting on what they described as the restoration of justice, fairness, and stability within the association, called on the state government, security and other relevant agencies to urgently intervene on the matter before it degenerate into something uncontrollable.

Speaking during the development, the Interim Chairman, Comrade Peter Okim Abang, reaffirmed the resolve of his leadership to unify members and reposition the Calabar depot for growth and peaceful coexistence.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of the association, Mr. Okechukwu Uwazie, attributed the lingering crisis in the Calabar depot to what he termed “selfish ambition” and the activities of Mr. Obi Robert, who he alleged has continued to lay claim to the chairmanship despite the outcome of a duly conducted election.

Uwazie disclosed that after seven years of internal disputes, the association conducted what he described as a historic election on December 1, 2023, at the Navy Officers’ Mess in Calabar. The exercise, he said, produced Comrade Peter Okim Abang as Chairman, Sunday Edet Oboh as Vice Chairman, and himself as Secretary, alongside other elected officials.

According to him, the election marked a turning point aimed at restoring peace and progress in the association. However, he alleged that Obi Robert has continued to parade himself as chairman in defiance of the decision of the association’s leadership and other key stakeholders.

The 19-member executive committee led by Okim, he noted, has since been tasked with the responsibility of reconciling aggrieved members and steering the association towards unity and sustainable development.

In a related development, the Youth Leader of Uwa, one of the host communities of the depot, Mr. Bassey Ephraime issued a stern warning to Mr. Obi Robert to desist from actions capable of destabilizing the association.

Addressing journalists during the visit to the secretariat, the youth leader stated that the community could no longer tolerate activities that undermine peace in the depot and negatively affect both the association and its host communities.

He further cautioned Obi to stay away from the secretariat, noting that the facility is situated on community land and must be used in a manner that promotes harmony and collective progress.

The stakeholders and community representatives reiterated their commitment to supporting the Okim-led leadership, calling on all parties to respect the outcome of the election and work towards lasting peace in the Calabar depot