By Itam Offor
The Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended four Councillors of Akpabuyo Legislative Council for 90 days over alledged gross misconduct.
The Councillors suspended are, Innocent Mbukpa, Patrick Eyo Etim, Bassey Effiom Edet and Tete Oyoyo Ubene.
The House unanimously resovled that the Councillors be suspended after deliberating on a petition signed by two other Councillors namely Emmanuel Archibong and Bassey Ekpo who alledged that the suspended Councillors,”were in the habit of molesting, pestering, harassing and exhibiting aggressive behaviour “.
The petition, which was read at plenary by the Member representing Abi State Constituency and Deputy Leader of the House, Rt Hon Davies Etta, further stated that the suspended Councillors also, ” used their secret cult group to perpetrate crimes, by molesting and intimidating the Leader of the Legislature, Hon Ekpo Bassey Ekpo”.
It was also alledged, in the petition, that the suspended Councillors attacked the Leader and staff of the Council on the 23rd of March, 2026 resulting in injuries on some people as well as destruction of Council property.
Contributing to the matter, the Leader of the Assemby, Rt Hon Francis Bassey Asuquo noted that the affected Councillors did not follow due process in the expression of their grievances. He condemned the violent stance of the Councillors and stressed the need for public officials to act according to the law.
Other Members in their separate contributions emphasised that the Councillors ought to have towed the path of peace and dialogue instead of violence.
They further agreed that, the affected Councillors be suspended pending the conclusion of investigation by the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution and in line with Section 14 sub 3 of the Local Government Law which empowers the Assembly to suspend elected or appointed Local Government Officials facing allegations of misconduct for proper investigations.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem expressed sadness over the incident. He stressed that political office holders should conduct themselves properly while reiterating the commitment of the House to the peace and security of the State.
