Assembly Acts After Reported Council Attack, Suspends Four LGA Lawmakers For 90 Days

NIGERIA, CALABAR – The Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended four councillors of Akpabuyo LGA Legislative Council for 90 days over alleged gross misconduct.

The suspended councillors include Innocent Mbukpa, Patrick Eyo Etim, Bassey Effiom Edet, and Tete Oyoyo Ubene, following deliberations during plenary on Tuesday.

Lawmakers reached the decision unanimously after reviewing a petition submitted by two councillors, Emmanuel Archibong and Bassey Ekpo, accusing their colleagues of persistent misconduct.

The petitioners alleged that the affected councillors engaged in “molesting, pestering, harassing, and exhibiting aggressive behaviour” within the legislative council, thereby undermining order and decorum.

Presenting the petition on the floor, Deputy Leader of the House, Davies Etta, read details outlining repeated incidents of alleged intimidation and disorderly conduct.

According to the document, the accused councillors reportedly used a secret cult group to perpetrate crimes, including harassment and intimidation of the council leadership.

The petition specifically alleged that the councillors targeted the Leader of the Legislature, Hon. Ekpo Bassey Ekpo, subjecting him to threats and coordinated acts of aggression.

Further claims indicated that the accused councillors escalated tensions within the council, allegedly fostering a climate of fear among both elected members and administrative staff.

The petition also detailed an incident on March 23, 2026, when the councillors allegedly attacked the Leader and council staff during a confrontation at the council premises.

It stated that the incident resulted in injuries to several individuals and caused significant damage to council property, raising concerns about public safety and governance stability.

Contributing to the debate, Leader of the House, Francis Bassey Asuquo, criticised the councillors for failing to follow due process in expressing grievances.

He condemned the alleged resort to violence, stressing that public officials must adhere strictly to legal frameworks and institutional channels in resolving disputes.

Asuquo further warned that any deviation from lawful conduct by elected officials threatens democratic institutions and undermines public confidence in governance structures.

Other lawmakers, in separate contributions, echoed similar concerns, urging political office holders to embrace dialogue, restraint, and lawful engagement in handling internal disagreements.

They emphasized that the actions described in the petition, if proven, represent a serious breach of public trust and ethical standards expected of elected representatives.

Reports said the House resolved that the suspension would remain in effect pending the outcome of a formal investigation by its relevant committee.

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The investigative process has been assigned to the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions, and Conflict Resolution for thorough examination.

Lawmakers noted that the decision aligns with Section 14(3) of the Local Government Law, which empowers the Assembly to suspend officials facing allegations of misconduct.

They maintained that the suspension is necessary to ensure an impartial investigation while preventing further escalation of tensions within the council.

In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, expressed concern over the reported developments within the Akpabuyo Legislative Council.

Ayambem stated that the allegations, if substantiated, reflect a troubling pattern of conduct that contradicts the principles of responsible leadership and public service.

He urged all political office holders across the state to conduct themselves in accordance with the law and uphold the integrity of their offices.

The Speaker reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to maintaining peace, security, and institutional discipline across all tiers of government within the state.

He further assured residents that the House would pursue a transparent and fair investigation, ensuring that justice is served without bias or political interference.

The Assembly’s action signals a broader stance against indiscipline and violence within local government structures, reinforcing accountability mechanisms in public administration.

Observers note that the development could have wider political implications, particularly in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, where tensions within the council have reportedly persisted.

The House, however, maintained that its decision was guided strictly by the need to uphold the rule of law and protect democratic institutions from abuse.

As the investigation proceeds, stakeholders are expected to monitor the process closely, with calls for fairness, transparency, and adherence to due process remaining paramount.

Residents and civil society groups have also urged the Assembly to ensure that the outcome of the probe strengthens governance and restores confidence in local leadership.

The suspended councillors are expected to remain off legislative duties throughout the 90-day period, pending the findings and recommendations of the investigative committee.