C’River: Imoke suspends 10 councillors for cultism

C’River: Imoke suspends 10 councillors for cultism

Femi Adetunji, Calabar


The Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, on Wednesday, suspended 10 councillors in Calabar South Local Government Area of the state for their involvement in the recent cult-related clashes that claimed about 15 lives in Calabar.

The affected councillors are Michael Okon Eyo, Ward 1; Effiong Akarika, Ward 2; Antigha Eneyo, Ward 3; Bassey Otu, Ward 5, and Bassey Ekpo, Ward 6.

Others are Francis Oyobo, Ward 7; Maurice Archibong, Ward 8; Philip Okang, Ward 9, Bassey Bassey Eyo, Ward 11 and Gabriel Edet Bassey, Ward 12.

Imoke, in a letter suspending the 11 councillors sent to the state House of Assembly for approval, a copy of which was made available to our correspondent on Wednesday, said there was the urgent need to forestall further threats to life in the state.

He added that investigations had indicted majority of the lawmakers in Calabar South in the mayhem.

He said the government would not tolerate any act of lawlessness that could tarnish the image of the state as a tourism destination.

The governor, along with members of his cabinet, had on Monday, publicly swore oaths, disclaiming membership of cults.

He has also insisted that all public officers must do so or leave the government.

Part of the suspension letter to the councillors reads, “Investigations have revealed the involvement of Calabar South Local Government leadership in the recent heartless killings in Calabar.

“This development portends serious social, political and economic implications to us as an administration and in a state which has tourism as its flagship.

“ It is our duty and responsibility, therefore, to stem this hostility and violence against innocent and law-abiding citizens and all who set their feet on our land for lawful engagements. Otherwise, we may scuttle our development as a state.”









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