Baskadia

   PRESS STATEMENT

IPAC Cross River Condemns Disruption of General Council Meeting, Constitutes Disciplinary Committee

Calabar, Cross River State — The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Cross River State Chapter, has expressed strong condemnation of what it described as the disruptive and undemocratic conduct of the chairmen of six political parties—the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Young Progressives Party (YPP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and Boot Party—during the Council’s General Council Meeting.

The meeting was convened following a successful and peaceful Executive Council Meeting and had commenced in an atmosphere of mutual respect, constructive engagement and adherence to the established constitutional procedures of the Council.

According to IPAC, the proceedings were disrupted by the conduct of the six party chairmen, resulting in an unfortunate interruption of a meeting intended to promote dialogue, cooperation and democratic engagement among political parties in Cross River State.

The Council views the incident as a matter of serious concern, stressing that the principles of mutual respect, tolerance, constitutionalism, dialogue and peaceful coexistence remain fundamental to the objectives and continued relevance of IPAC.

IPAC further emphasised that no individual or group of members, irrespective of political affiliation or position, should be permitted to undermine the lawful activities of the Council or disrupt its established decision-making processes.

The Council reaffirmed that disagreements within a democratic institution should be addressed through constitutional mechanisms, dialogue and due process, rather than through actions capable of creating tension, division or disorder.

Special Disciplinary Committee Constituted

In response to the incident, the General Council, acting through what it described as the overwhelming majority of its members, has constituted a Special Disciplinary Committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disruption of the meeting.

The Committee has been mandated to examine the events objectively, hear relevant perspectives and make appropriate recommendations in accordance with the IPAC Constitution, established guidelines and applicable procedures.

IPAC stated that the Committee is expected to carry out its assignment with fairness, impartiality and due regard for the rights of all parties involved, with the broader objective of preserving the integrity, unity and credibility of the Council.

Call for Calm and Democratic Engagement

The Council has called on all members and political stakeholders in Cross River State to remain calm, law-abiding and committed to peaceful political engagement.

IPAC reiterated its commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting inter-party cooperation and ensuring that political disagreements are resolved through dialogue and established democratic processes.

The Council maintained that its institutional responsibilities must continue to be discharged without intimidation, disruption or political grandstanding, in the interest of democracy and the people of Cross River State.

IPAC therefore urged all political parties and their representatives to place the collective interest of the state and the democratic process above individual or partisan interests.

The Inter-Party Advisory Council, Cross River State Chapter, remains committed to constitutionalism, internal democracy, peaceful political participation and the promotion of a credible and harmonious democratic environment in Cross River State.

Signed:

1. All Progressives Party (APP)
   

2. Labour Party (LP)
   

3. African Democratic Congress (ADC)
   

4. National Rescue Movement (NRM)
   

5. Action Democratic Party (ADP)
   

6. All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)
   

7. Accord Party
   

8. Action Alliance (AA)
   

9. Social Democratic Party (SDP)
   

10. Young Progressives Party (YP)