By Kelvin Obambon
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has inaugurated a 16-member Caretaker Executive Committee to pilot the affairs of its Eastern Zone following the passing of the former Zonal Chairman, Chief Larry Nworuh.
The inauguration ceremony took place in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, on Friday, bringing together key industry stakeholders, security agencies, community leaders, and sister union officials. The Eastern Zone encompasses 11 states within the System 2E distribution network.
Delivering the inaugural address on behalf of the IPMAN National President, Alhaji Abubakar Shettima, the National Secretary, Hon. James Terlumun Tor, stated that the decision followed extensive consultations across the region.
“After a very thorough deliberation and intensive consultation with our critical stakeholders in the zone, the National Executive of IPMAN has resolved to appoint a 16-member committee to steer the affairs of IPMAN Eastern Zone for the next 3 months,” Tor announced.
He tasked the newly constituted committee, led by Chief Nsikan Sunday, to foster unity and prepare the region for transparent elections.
“We enjoin you to bring in your wealth of experience with the highest level of humility and camaraderie in the discharge of your duties,” Tor said. “You must work hand in hand with all the relevant stakeholders and carry everyone along to create a conducive atmosphere for a credible election in Eastern Zone.”
He also commended the Cross River State government and security agencies for maintaining an enabling environment for commerce through infrastructure projects and security measures.
Alongside the Zonal Caretaker Executive, the association inaugurated the IPMAN Monitoring Taskforce for the Calabar Depot, chaired by Chief Emmanuel Ogbonaya. Key dignitaries in attendance included Prince Nickson Ahanonu, IPMAN National Coordinator for Monitoring and Enforcement, and Peter Okim, IPMAN Chairman for Cross River.
In his acceptance speech, the newly sworn-in Caretaker Committee Chairman, Chief Nsikan Sunday, pledged to maintain an inclusive leadership style and called for cooperation.
“The Exco will try its best to carry everyone along. We will work in peace and unity. We need your support – even the community of Cross River and others,” Sunday stated. “Let us work in unity.”
The caretaker committee will lead the zone’s operational activities for the next three months while paving the way for substantive elections.
