The Office of Hon. Eyo Bassey (Empowerment Chairman), Member representing Bakassi State Constituency in the 10th Cross River State House of Assembly (CRSHA), has issued a strong rebuttal to recent allegations linking him to the sponsorship of the Indigenous Displaced People of Bakassi Communities (IDPBC), describing the allegations, which have been circulating in some quarters, as baseless, malicious, and politically motivated.
In a statement signed by Hon. Bassey, on Thursday, he categorically denied any involvement with the IDPBC, stating, “I have no connection whatsoever with the Indigenous Displaced People of Bakassi Communities or their activities even though the signatories are from Bakassi. These allegations are nothing but a fabrication by individuals who are desperate to tarnish my reputation and undermine my commitment to the Bakassi people.”
Hon. Bassey alleged that the accusations were part of a broader campaign of mischief and blackmail orchestrated by political detractors. He stated, “It is unfortunate that some individuals have resorted to cheap propaganda and falsehoods because they lack the capacity to challenge me on the basis of my record of service and achievements. These allegations are clearly designed to distract me from the progress we are making in Bakassi.”
He also addressed the claim that a ₦500,000 transaction was traced to a certain account as alleged to be from him to one of the proponents of the IDPBC. He described it as a desperate attempt to fabricate evidence; Hon. Bassey has challenged them to make evidence of the purported transaction public such that the details of his alleged financial transactions for that day will be published. “I have no financial ties to any member of the IDPBC. This is a calculated attempt to create a false narrative and link me to a group I have no financial affiliation with,” Hon. Bassey emphasised.
Hon. Bassey reiterated his unwavering commitment to the development and welfare of the Bakassi people. He highlighted his efforts in advocating for the proper resettlement and rehabilitation of displaced Bakassi communities by the federal government, which ceded part of the territory.
Hon. Bassey called on the people of Bakassi to remain united and vigilant against those who seek to divide them for personal gain. He urged his constituents to disregard the false allegations and continue to support his efforts to bring development and progress to the region.
“I urge the good people of Bakassi to see these allegations for what they truly are: a desperate attempt by political opportunists to create division and confusion. Together, we will overcome these challenges and continue to work towards a brighter future for Bakassi,” he concluded.
Hon. Bassey stressed that while Bakassi is one of the 774 local government areas in Nigeria, a local government in Cross River state, “my local government, how sensible will it be for me to call for or support the delisting of a state constituency which I represent at the State Assembly?”
It should be recalled that in numerous fora Hon. Bassey had clarified that he will not be part and parcel of any development in Bakassi which is not sanctioned by “my leader, the Governor”.
Hon. Eyo Bassey remains resolute in his commitment to the people of Bakassi and has vowed to continue his advocacy for their rights and development. In this vein, Hon. Bassey has urged his constituents to key into his latest empowerment programme of free JAMB forms registration for candidates of Bakassi origin and residency.
He has called on relevant authorities to investigate the source of these false allegations and hold those responsible for spreading misinformation accountable.
