By Ella Michaels
The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Cross River State has given the state government an ultimatum to conduct long-overdue local government elections by December 2024. Failure to comply will prompt IPAC to petition the federal government to withhold allocations to the 18 local government areas.
At a press briefing in Calabar, IPAC Chairman Engr. Effiom Edet Okon emphasized the need for Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu to swiftly assent to the amended Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) law. This amendment, recently passed by the State House of Assembly, aligns with a Supreme Court ruling.
Okon praised the Assembly's swift passage of the bill, demonstrating their commitment to deepening democracy in the state. He urged Governor Otu to expedite the assent process, enabling CROSIEC to initiate the election process.
During a courtesy visit to CROSIEC, IPAC urged the commission to release the election timetable without delay and ensure a free, fair, transparent, credible, and peaceful electoral process.
The amended CROSIEC Law reduces chairmanship candidates' monetary contributions from N10 million to N5 million. IPAC encourages political parties and citizens to actively participate in the forthcoming elections to restore grassroots democracy.
With the clock ticking, the Cross River State government must act swiftly to meet IPAC's ultimatum and prevent potential allocation blockades. Will they meet the deadline, or will IPAC take drastic measures?
