Concerned stakeholders within the Delta oil and gas sector have expressed their concerns over the prolonged delay in conducting election for the new executives of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) at the Warri Refinery Depot.
They view this delay as a significant violation of democratic principles and the constitutional rights of registered associations.
Following an emergency meeting held in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State on Friday, the group refuted claims that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had ordered the delay. They emphasized that a democratically elected governor would not interfere with the democratic process of an association.
Under the umbrella of the Delta Oil and Gas Security Monitoring Group (DOGSMG), the stakeholders strongly opposed any attempts by individuals or groups to impose candidates on IPMAN members. They emphasized that such impositions are counterproductive, often leading to animosity and violence among the members.
In a statement signed by Chief Frank Akpodiete and Hon. Chinedu Ezeonyeka, the Coordinator and Secretary of DOGSMG respectively, the group called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to dissociate himself from the situation and ensure that the democratic process is respected, thereby clearing his name from the ongoing controversy surrounding the prolonged delay in the IPMAN election.
According to a statement released, a group of key stakeholders in the oil and gas industry, including both current and retired members, as well as former executives of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in Delta state, expressed their concerns regarding the significant delay in the scheduled IPMAN election earlier this year. They viewed this delay as a violation of the organization’s governing laws, similar to any other association in the country.
During the investigation into the cause of the delay, it was brought to their attention that the Governor of Delta state, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, issued the order to postpone the election due to his personal interest in the Association.
However, the stakeholders do not want to endorse these widespread speculations. They firmly believe that a democratically elected Governor would not hinder the association’s freedom to conduct a fair and unbiased election for its executives.
It is crucial to emphasize that the imposition of candidates on IPMAN members by any individual or group is deemed unacceptable in the pursuit of peace, justice, and fairness for all concerned parties. Historical experiences have shown that such actions are counterproductive as they generate animosity and violence among the members.
“We hereby make a plea to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to publicly refute any involvement in the dispute that has prevented IPMAN from holding its election. Furthermore, we urge him to promptly arrange for the election to take place as soon as possible, ensuring that the Association can progress without hindrance.”
“Throughout its existence, IPMAN has experienced a considerable amount of harmony among its members. The key to maintaining this harmony is to facilitate a fair election, where members have the freedom to elect the executives who will lead the organization for the next three (3) years,” the statement concluded.
