The Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended four councillors from Akpabuyo Local Government Area for 90 days over allegations of gross misconduct and violent behaviour.
The affected councillors are Innocent Mbukpa, Patrick Eyo Etim, Bassey Effiom Edet, and Tete Oyoyo Ubene. Their suspension followed a petition submitted by two council members, Emmanuel Archibong and Bassey Ekpo, who accused them of persistent acts of misconduct and intimidation.
During Wednesday’s plenary session in Calabar, lawmakers said the councillors were repeatedly involved in aggressive conduct and acts capable of disrupting peace within the local government system.
The Deputy Leader of the Assembly and member representing Abi State Constituency, Davies Etta, described the behaviour of the suspended councillors as unacceptable, alleging that they had resorted to intimidation tactics.
According to him, “The affected councillors have been in the habit of molesting, pestering, harassing, and exhibiting aggressive behaviour. They even used a secret cult group to intimidate others, including the Leader of the Legislature, Hon. Ekpo Bassey Ekpo.”
The situation was said to have escalated on March 23, 2026, when the councillors allegedly attacked the council leader and staff members, leaving several people injured and causing damage to property.
Reacting to the development, House Leader Francis Bassey condemned the incident, stressing that public office holders must operate within the law and follow due process in resolving disputes.
“Such violent actions against a council leader and staff are unacceptable. Public office holders are expected to conduct themselves within the confines of the law,” he said.
Other lawmakers also urged elected officials to embrace dialogue and lawful channels rather than resorting to violence and intimidation.
The House subsequently resolved to suspend the councillors pending the outcome of an investigation by its Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions, and Conflict Resolution.
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 to allow for proper investigation.
Speaker Elvert Ayambem, while reacting to the incident, expressed concern over the rising cases of political violence and urged office holders to uphold discipline and responsibility.
He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to peace, order, and good governance in the state.
