By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
The chairman of the Cross River State branch of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Comrade Peter Okim Abang, has appealed for calm among the members of the association, urging them to remain united and work as one indivisible entity.
The chairman made the appeal during a telephone conversation with our correspondent in Calabar shortly after the factional leadership of state branch of IPMAN paid a courtesy visit on Secretary to Cross River State Government SSG, Prof. Anthony Onoh, in his office yesterday.
He said just like any entity, challenges are bound to be tackled, notwithstanding the differences that exist among the association’s members, and he has capacity to address such challenges, calling for team work, as team work is the surest way to achieve success.
Abang’s reaction follows stories trending in the media that the state government through the SSG had given recognition to the Comrade Robert Obi-led faction of IPMAN.
He urged member of the association not to be cajoled by any one peddling the rumour that the state government has thrown it’s weight behind anyone other than him.
He said, “I’m shocked that same people who sometimes ago accused the state government of interfering with the affairs of the union are the same persons attempting to curry favour from state government.”
He said that the only sin he committed was attempting to put the the erstwhile IPMAN leadership in the state out, thereby blocking loopholes used by the erswhile IPMAN leadership to milk state government dry.
He said that these cabals are angry with him, and asked certain individual in the association parading himself as as Chairman to desist forthwith as the association has only one chairman and not two.
He added, “Those trying to convert discussion of the SSG during their courtesy visit to the SSG’s office on Wednesday as an endorsement should desist forthwith from doing so
“What is causing this bad blood is my refusal to compromise the standards at IPMAN, where shady deals are perpetrated to deprive the state government of huge revenue at the depot.
“Because of how the erstwhile IPMAN leadership misappropriated revenue that ought to accrue to the coffers of the state government and is being diverted into private pockets and I said, ‘no let the right thing be done’ and they are against me.
“I am aware of the existence of another faction, however let me tell you that the Supreme Court had settled that matter.
“The Supreme Court had already settled this matter.
“IPMAN is not in court with anyone after the Supreme Court ruling that declared Elder Chinedu Okorokwo as the authentic national President of IPMAN, slamming a fine of N2 million on the other faction for misleading the court.
“May I inform you that there is an IPMAN chairman with the right judgment. I am calling on members of the association to remain calm and prepare for the association’s election, which has been scheduled to hold in 6 months time.”
Abang, who said he is authentic chairman of IPMAN in Cross River State charged those who absconded from the association to return to the association and join hands with him in the task of building a strong and formidable association.
