The Cross River State House of Assembly has ordered the suspension of four councillors from Akpabuyo Local Government Area for a period of 90 days following allegations bordering on gross misconduct and violent conduct.
Those affected by the suspension are Innocent Mbukpa, Patrick Eyo Etim, Bassey Effiom Edet, and Tete Oyoyo Ubene. The action was taken after a petition filed by two members of the council, Emmanuel Archibong and Bassey Ekpo, who accused the councillors of repeated misconduct and acts of intimidation.
The decision was reached during Wednesday’s plenary in Calabar, where lawmakers expressed concern over what they described as a pattern of aggressive actions capable of undermining peace within the local government administration.
Deputy Leader of the Assembly and representative of Abi State Constituency, Davies Etta, criticised the conduct of the suspended officials, describing their actions as unacceptable and alleging that intimidation had become their method of operation.
According to him, “The affected councillors have been in the habit of molesting, pestering, harassing, and exhibiting aggressive behaviour. They even used a secret cult group to intimidate others, including the Leader of the Legislature, Hon. Ekpo Bassey Ekpo.”
Lawmakers were informed that tensions escalated on March 23, 2026, when the councillors allegedly assaulted the council leader and staff, resulting in injuries to several individuals and damage to property.
Reacting to the incident, House Leader Francis Bassey condemned the development, emphasising that those in public office must act within the law and adhere to established procedures in addressing disputes.
“Such violent actions against a council leader and staff are unacceptable. Public office holders are expected to conduct themselves within the confines of the law,” he said.
Other members of the Assembly also called on political office holders to prioritise dialogue and lawful mechanisms instead of resorting to threats or violence.
The Assembly subsequently resolved to suspend the councillors pending the outcome of an investigation to be conducted by its Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions, and Conflict Resolution.
Lawmakers stated that the move is in line with Section 14(3) of the Local Government Law, which grants the Assembly authority to suspend officials facing allegations of misconduct to enable a thorough investigation.
Speaker Elvert Ayambem, in his remarks, expressed concern over increasing incidents of political violence and urged public office holders to demonstrate discipline and responsibility.
He reiterated the Assembly’s dedication to maintaining peace, order, and effective governance across the state.
