By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
The Cross River State chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has urged Governor Bassey Otu to ensure appointments reflect the collective will of voters, stressing that selections must transcend party lines and not be limited to the ruling All Orogeessives Congress, APC, members only.
Cross River IPAC chairman, Engr. Effiom West Okon, gave the advice yesterday in a letter addressed to the governor, while reacting to new appointments.
He wrote, “Your Excellency, the power to make appointments rests squarely with you as the governor. That authority is not in dispute.
“However, what must not be ignored is the source of that authority.”
The advisory group averred that the governor’s mandate was delivered by Cross Riverians across party, religious, ethnic and social divides.
It added, “Your mandate was not delivered by members of a single political party alone. It was built on the collective will of Cross Riverians, cutting across party lines, religious affiliations, ethnic identities and social divides.
“Men and women who are not members of the APC stood in the sun, cast their votes and entrusted you with leadership.”
IPAC warned against reducing appointments to a reward system for party loyalty, adding, “Appointments cannot, and must not, be reduced to a reward system for party loyalty alone. That approach diminishes the spirit of democracy and undermines the broad-based mandate you now hold.”
The council advocated an inclusive approach to appointments, saying it carries moral and democratic weight.
It added, “Appointments should reflect inclusiveness, fairness, and merit. Competence, integrity, capacity and commitment to the development of Cross River State should take precedence over partisan considerations.”
It further described an inclusive government as “a demonstration of strength, confidence and respect for democracy, adding that it fosters unity, stabilizes the political environment and builds lasting trust in leadership.”
IPAC further enthused, “Political parties may contest elections. But governance belongs to the people. Let your appointments reflect that undeniable truth.”
