Calabar —Cross River state entered a new phase of institutionalised multiparty governance on Thursday as Governor Bassey Otu commissioned the state’s first-ever Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Secretariat Complex during the Cross River Political Summit held at Adsuit Hotel, Calabar NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
Speaking at the event, IPAC Chairman Engr. Effiom Edet Okon described the commissioning as “a milestone achievement and a testament to our commitment to institutionalizing IPAC and strengthening our capacity to engage with government and stakeholders.”
He praised Governor Otu for what he called “uncommon leadership and unwavering support for democracy, peace, and stability in our state.” Engr. Okon added that the new complex would help deepen democratic practice as the state moves toward the 2027 elections.
“We commit to working together as political parties to promote unity, peace, and progress in Cross River state,” he said, calling on parties to embrace cooperation and mutual respect.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter-Party Affairs, Nkoyo Otu, who represented the Chief of Staff to the governor, Emmanuel Ironbar, said the commissioning marked a historic moment in the state’s political development.
“It has never happened in the history of Cross River state,” she declared, praising Governor Otu for responding to IPAC’s earlier appeals for subvention, office space, and official vehicles.
According to her, the Governor’s gesture reflects “a commitment to strengthening every structure of governance in pursuit of the People First mandate.”
Nkoyo Otu listed several development strides under the Otu administration, noting that Cross River had recorded “unimaginable progress across districts and sectors within less than three years.” She urged political actors to remain united and continue supporting the administration for the benefit of all Cross Riverians.
The commissioning event—accompanied by a political summit—has been widely described as a defining moment for multi-party cooperation, early-warning political engagement, and conflict-sensitive governance in the state ahead of the next election cycle.
