The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, has inaugurated a 16-member Caretaker Executive Committee to oversee the affairs of its Eastern Zone, System 2E for the next three months.

The inauguration, which held in Calabar, Cross River State on Thursday, followed the death of the immediate past Zonal Chairman, Chief Larry Nworuh.

Speaking at the event, IPMAN National President, Alhaji Abubakar Maigaindi  Shettima, represented by the National  Secretary, Hon. James Terhemun Tor, said the decision was reached after “thorough deliberation and intensive consultation with critical stakeholders” in the zone.

“Following the demise of our Zonal Chairman, Chief Larry Nworuh, there arose the necessity to enthrone a new leadership to pilot the affairs of the Association in System 2E,” Tor stated.

According to him, the National Executive of IPMAN, under the leadership of National President, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, resolved to appoint the caretaker committee to ensure stability and prepare the ground for a credible election in the zone.

Tor congratulated the new CTC Chairman, Chief Nsikan Ekpe Sunday, and his team, urging them to discharge their duties with “the highest level of humility and camaraderie.”

“You must work hand in hand with all relevant stakeholders and carry everyone along to create a conducive atmosphere for a credible election in the Eastern Zone,” he said.

He also called on all marketers in System 2E, depot community stakeholders, and sister unions to give the new CTC “unalloyed cooperation, solidarity and loyalty.”

The National Secretary commended the Cross River State Government for providing a conducive environment for business and investment, citing ongoing massive infrastructural development and the state’s security architecture.

“We appreciate the authorities of the government of Cross River State for making Calabar and its environs attractive for business. Your outstanding cooperation to our members in the state is highly commendable,” Tor said.

He equally extolled the security agencies in the state, the Chief Security Officer/SSA on Security to the Governor, and the leadership of the depot host community, soliciting their continued support for the new executive.

Tor called for peace and unity among members of the association in the zone to enable them achieve their mandate.

In his acceptance speech, the new Eastern Zone caretaker executive committee chairman, Mr Nsikan Ekpe Sunday thanked the national executive of association for finding him and  other members of the executive worthy to pilot the affairs of the association for next three years, and promised to justify the confidence repose on them.

He called for support from member, the state government, stakeholders and the community to enable them carryout their mandate effectively.

The event also featured the inauguration of Calabar Zone  Task Force covering both Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.

IPMAN Eastern Zone, System 2E, covers petroleum marketers operating within Cross River State and environs. The 3-month caretaker arrangement is expected to stabilize the zone and midwife elections into substantive offices.