We’ve no issue with IPAC – Abia Govt
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From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
Ahead of the November 2, 2024 local government elections in Abia State, the government has dispelled rumours that it was at loggerheads with the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in the state as a result of the timing of the poll.
Speaking after a meeting in Umuahia with the leadership and member of IPAC drawn from the 19 registered political parties existing in the state, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Affairs, Hon. Acho Obioma, dismissed rumours that the government was having issues with IPAC, but pointed out that government was only interested in providing good governance for Abians.
The meeting came on the heels of rumours that IPAC was planning to boycott the proposed Council election.
The Governor’s Political Adviser who was a member of the House of Representatives, from 1999 to 2003, however, admitted that although IPAC expressed reservations on some issues, but maintained that the relationship between government and the group remains cordial.
According to Hon. Obioma, popularly called Chomen, the meeting with IPAC was consultative, with a view to strengthening the relationship between the two.
He stressed the need for dialogue with IPAC, adding that government sees them as equal players and assured that the body would be carried along by the government.
“We had scheduled a meeting with members of IPAC to deliberate on the working relationship between IPAC, the government and actually, the entire Abians.
“The meeting had gone on well, IPAC has expressed its own issues concerning their relationship, concerning government, their expectations and, of course, their reservations.
“The essence of this meeting is to see how we can all embrace ourselves and support what the government is doing. And the take-away from this meeting is for all to acknowledge that IPAC is not at any loggerhead with the government; that there is a need for constant dialogue between the government and political parties, making sure that government sees the political parties as equal players, not as opposition.” Obioma stated.
In his speech, the State Chairman of IPAC, Mr. Nelcin Ulocha, said they came to discuss with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Affairs over the relationship between them and the government in power.
He used the forum to commend the Governor on his performance so far, which he described as “satisfactory and impressive.”
He however said that IPAC expects him to do more, adding that the Governor should appoint one of their members into his cabinet.
