The Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended four councillors of the Akpabuyo Local Government Legislative Council for 90 days for alleged links to cult groups.
The councillors suspended are, Innocent Mbukpa, Patrick Eyo Etim, Bassey Effiom Edet and Tete Oyoyo Ubene.
The House unanimously resovled that the councillors be suspended after deliberating on a petition signed by two other councillors, Emmanuel Archibong and Bassey Ekpo.
The petition, was read at plenary by the member representing Abi State Constituency and the Deputy Leader of the House, Davies Etta.
In the petition, it was also alledged that the suspended councillors attacked the leader and staff of the council on March 23, 2026 resulting in injuries on some people as well as destruction of council property.
Leader of the House, Francis Asuquo noted that the affected councillors did not follow due process in the expression of their grievances.
He condemned the violent stance of the councillors and stressed the need for public officials to act according to the law.
Other legislators in their separate contributions, emphasised that the councillors ought to have towed the path of peace and dialogue instead of violence.
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They further agreed that the affected councillors be suspended, pending the conclusion of investigation by the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution and in line with Section 14 sub 3 of the Local Government Law.
The law empowers the assembly to suspend elected or appointed local government officials facing allegations of misconduct for proper investigations.
In his ruling, the Speaker of the assembly, Elvert Ayambem, expressed sadness over the incident and stressed that political office holders should conduct themselves properly, while reiterating the commitment of the House to the peace and security of the state.
