Inter-Party Advisory Council – The Trumpet Newspaper Nigeria

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Cross River State chapter, has raised concerns over alleged partisan appointments by Governor Bassey Otu, accusing his administration of favouring members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in key government positions.

Key Highlights

• IPAC alleges partisan bias in Governor Otu’s political appointments
• Council calls for inclusive and merit-based governance
• Concern raised over exclusion of non-APC stakeholders
• IPAC urges fairness, unity, and broad political representation
• Governor Otu advised to reflect diversity in future appointments

In an open letter addressed to the governor and signed by its state chairman, Engr. Effiom Edet Okon, the Inter-Party Advisory Council acknowledged the constitutional authority of the governor to make appointments but stressed that such powers should reflect the diversity of Cross River State.

The council argued that Governor Otu’s electoral victory was supported by voters across political, ethnic, and religious divides, not solely by APC members, and therefore governance should reflect that broad mandate.

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According to IPAC, limiting appointments to party loyalists risks undermining democratic principles and could alienate citizens who contributed to the governor’s election victory despite not belonging to the ruling party.

The council stated that Cross River State belongs to all its citizens, insisting that governance must be inclusive, fair, and representative of the state’s diverse population.

It further maintained that merit, competence, integrity, and commitment to public service should guide appointments rather than political affiliation or party loyalty.

IPAC warned that continued reliance on political patronage could weaken public trust in government and create the impression that non-APC supporters are being sidelined in governance.

The body also noted that inclusive governance strengthens political stability, promotes unity, and enhances confidence in leadership across all sectors of society.

It urged Governor Otu to ensure that future appointments reflect fairness and broad-based representation, stressing that while elections are contested by political parties, governance ultimately serves all citizens.