By Frank Ulom
Barring any last-minute changes, Dr Inyali Peter has emerged as the new National President of the University of Cross River State, UNICROSS Alumni Association.
Inyali, a graduate of Mass Communication from the University and former Students’ leader was the only Presidential candidate screened and cleared in a list released and jointly signed by the Electoral Committee Chairman and Secretary, Comrades Victor Agbor and John Utibe, respectively.
Two other candidates, Andrew Ntul and Jumbo Isek were disqualified; while Ntul according to the release by the electoral board was disqualified for withdrawing from the race and not attending the screening, Isek on the other hand was disqualified for not meeting the constitutional requirements to contest for the office.
He was inaugurated at the 5th national convention of the association held at the U.J Esuene Stadium, Calabar, on Tuesday 12 December 2023 after being declared President unopposed by the electoral committee Chairman, Comrade Agor after his ratification by the screened electorates.
Also elected into the national executive council as announced by the electoral Chairman are Engr. Emem Ezekiel as Deputy National President, Mr Njang Ndoma as National Secretary, Engr. Ikem Peter as National Treasurer, and Mr Ekpenyong Otu as National Assistant General Secretary.
Others are, Dr (Mrs) Peace Egbai as National Public Relations Officer (PRO), Engr. Obi Edward as National Director of Projects, Engr. Enu Michael as National Director of Employment, Mr Vincent Ndifon as National Provost, Mr Agbor Sylvester as National Financial Secretary and Mr Joel Agbaragba as National Alumni Relations Officer.
Speaking after his victory, Inyali said “We have worked so hard to get to the level we are now.”
“We are not shouting for victory because this is indeed a matter of ‘no victor, no vanquish’. It is a period to re-consolidate from our broken past, recalibrate, and chart a new course for UNICROSS Alumni with the view to adding value to our Alma Mater and its community.
“I can not thank you enough for all your unflinching support throughout the electioneering period to my eventual emergence as the President. I thank you immensely and beseech you all to continue with me on this journey as we lead the charge for a greater UNICROSS Alumni
“The task ahead is not for the executives alone. It is and should be a shared responsibility. Together, we will make our Alma Mater an envy of others.”
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He thanked the Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Bassey Otu, His Deputy, Hon. Peter Odey, Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem amongst others for their support assured that he will work with every member to move the association forward.
The new President commended members of the association for their support and appealed to aggrieved parties to sheath their swords and work with the national executive council to move the association forward.
The immediate past President, Comrade Eyam Abeng earlier in his valedictory speech assured the new executives that he would continue to play advisory roles from the background to move the association to the next level.
Abeng charged the new executives “to not begrudge anybody but work hard to unite the association. Where I fail, learn from my mistakes and make amends and where I succeed, improve on what I’ve done. We must be deliberate in working to bring everybody together in the interest of the association.”
