Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has approved the immediate suspension of Chief Okon Archibong, the Village Head of Esuk Utan, along with his council members, following serious allegations of abuse of power.
Truth Live News gathered that the decision, which came in response to multiple complaints from the community accusing the traditional ruler and his council of misusing their authority, causing growing unrest among residents, was announced in a statement issued on Monday by Mr. Nsa Gil, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
The statement clarified that the move was aimed at addressing these grievances and ensuring that justice is served within the local leadership. “The government remains committed to upholding accountability and addressing grievances raised by citizens to ensure harmony and justice in traditional leadership,” the statement read.
In addition to the suspension, Governor Otu has instructed the Calabar Municipal Traditional Rulers Council to investigate the allegations against the village head and his council emphasizing that the findings and recommendations from the investigation should be submitted to the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs within one week.
To ensure the smooth functioning of the village during the investigation, the Governor has directed the Obutong Clan Council to form a five-member committee to temporarily oversee the affairs of Esuk Utan Village further urging the public, including those living or doing business in Esuk Utan, to continue their activities as usual, but to cease all dealings with the suspended village head and his council members.