By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
The Cross River State chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has denied claims that political parties in the state receive monthly subventions from the administration of Governor Bassey Otu, describing the allegation as false and misleading.
In a disclaimer signed by the state IPAC Chairman, Effiom Edet Okon, the council faulted a June 11, 2026 publication which alleged that the state government maintains a monthly financial support arrangement with political parties through IPAC.
According to the council, neither IPAC nor any registered political party in Cross River State has received any form of monthly or continuous subvention from the government at any time.
The body clarified that the only financial interventions received were three isolated and non-recurring disbursements made in June, September and December 2025. It stressed that the payments did not constitute a standing policy or a regular monthly arrangement.
“Any claim suggesting a steady or continuous payment structure is false, misleading and a gross misrepresentation of facts,” the statement said.
IPAC also addressed claims regarding its secretariat, dismissing reports that its office operates from a mere two-bedroom apartment.
The council maintained that its secretariat is a well-furnished and functional facility made possible through the support of Governor Otu, adding that the gesture has improved its operational capacity.
The council warned media organisations, political actors and individuals against spreading what it described as falsehoods capable of misleading the public and undermining democratic institutions in the state.
It further challenged anyone with evidence of a monthly subvention arrangement to make such information public, insisting that failure to do so would reinforce its position that the allegation was unfounded.
Reaffirming its mandate, IPAC said it remains a neutral statutory advisory body committed to strengthening democracy, promoting peaceful political engagement and supporting good governance in Cross River State.
The special adviser on inter-party affairs to Governor Otu, Nkoyo Otu while briefing journalists when the Forum of Special Advisers had disclosed that IPAC was receiving monthly Subventions from the Otu administration.
She insisted that, as a result, there has been peace and harmony amongst political parties in the state, maintaining that “This is the first time this is happening.
“The governor regularly pays subventions to the political parties. This has contributed to prevalent peace amongst politicians and their parties”, she said.
