IPMAN factions unite at AGM, resolve to work together

The five-year-old leadership crisis that rocked the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) appears to have been settled, as members resolved to move on as a family to enable them key into the country’s petroleum sector as a key player.

According to the National President of IPMAN, Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo, this was part of the resolution at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Awka, the Anambra State capital, recently, where he reconciled all members and unveiled his blueprint for the way forward.

Okoronkwo, in his address, recalled the crisis that had rocked the association’s leadership since January 20, 2014, which was brought to an end by the Supreme Court’s verdict of December 14, affirming his executive as the authentic leadership of IPMAN. He bemoaned the huge material, financial and mental losses members had incurred while the leadership crisis lingered, but thanked God that no innocent blood was spilled, commending all members who remained steadfast to the ideals of the association while the crisis lasted and prayed for the eternal repose of the souls of some members who passed on within the five year period.

The president and his executive received a standing ovation from the delegates from all chapters and units, especially when it was resolved that his tenure was to commence from December 14, last year, adding that the judgment has brought to an end the division generated by the leadership crisis between him and Chief Obasi Lawson.

Pledging to sustain his open door policy, Okoronkwo encouraged members to feel free to approach the Katampe, Abuja secretariat of IPMAN at any time when in need or for clarification always, “because this association belongs to all of us and we are here to serve you all.”

Among key decisions taken at the meting was the reconstitution of its Board of Trustees (BoT), bringing the number from the Southeast, Southwest, Northeast and Northwest to three each, while the Midwest was to be represented by Chiefs Solomon Ogbowe and Peter Konkon, with Mrs. Aisha Labaran-Maku elected National Woman Leader.

One of the new members of the BoT and Eze Uzu 111 of Awka, Dr. Austine Ndigwe, describing IPMAN as the biggest association and player in the country’s petroleum downstream sector, which cannot afford to exclude itself permanently from the scheme of things.