OGOJA (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River State House of Assembly has ordered the immediate revocation of all government properties and houses sold in Ogoja Local Government Area.
The resolution followed deliberations during Tuesday’s plenary on the report of the House Committee on Lands and Housing regarding the controversial sale of nine government flats located near the General Hospital in Ogoja.
These include four blocks of two semi-detached 2-bedroom bungalows and a 3-bedroom apartment, all built in 1985 during the administration of Governor Clement Ebri to address accommodation needs of civil and public servants.
The controversy surrounding the sale was first raised on 7th January 2025, by Hon. Thomas Aruku, representing Ogoja State Constituency, who presented a matter of urgent public interest. He alleged that officials of the Ministry of Lands, Calabar, had disposed of the properties without following legal procedures.
Presenting the findings of an in-depth investigation, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Martins Achadu, disclosed that the properties were sold for a combined sum of ₦8 million, with one 2-bedroom flat allocated to a certain Mr Joseph Item, as a “commission” to the current occupant, Mr Stephen Agian. He said the Ministry acted under a 2004 resolution made during the tenure of former Governor Donald Duke, which permitted the sale of state residential buildings deemed dilapidated.
However, Achadu emphasised that the Ogoja Housing Units were not included in the properties earmarked for sale under that resolution. The Committee also noted with concern that no fresh approval or revalidation was granted by the current administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, making the transaction illegal.
Lawmakers took turns to condemn the action, describing it as a gross abuse of office and manipulation of public trust. They expressed outrage that both 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments were valued equally and sold at outdated prices, calling the move fraudulent and deliberate.
Members of the House called for a comprehensive investigation and strict sanctions against all individuals involved. They insisted that the motive behind the underhanded deal was clear, citing suspicious pricing and lack of official consent from the current government.
In a remark. Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the 10th Assembly, strongly condemned the illegal sales and vowed that the House will not tolerate such criminal acts. He assured that all involved will face the full weight of legislative scrutiny.
“The House of Assembly will not allow any public officer to trample on the law. We must set an example and ensure public assets are protected for the benefit of all Cross Riverians.”
The House further summoned all individuals connected to the illegal sales to appear before the House for a public hearing.