According to Report, The Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended four councillors of the Akpabuyo Legislative Council for 90 days over alleged gross misconduct.
The affected councillors—Innocent Mbukpa, Patrick Eyo Etim, Bassey Effiom Edet, and Tete Oyoyo Ubene—were suspended following the House’s consideration of a petition submitted by two other councillors, Emmanuel Archibong and Bassey Ekpo.
The petition, read during plenary by the Deputy Leader of the House and Member representing Abi State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Davies Etta, accused the suspended councillors of consistently engaging in acts of molestation, harassment, and aggressive behavior.
It further alleged that they used a secret cult group to perpetrate criminal activities, including intimidating and harassing the Leader of the Legislature, Hon. Ekpo Bassey Ekpo.
According to the petition, the councillors also attacked the Leader and staff of the Council on March 23, 2026, resulting in injuries to some individuals and damage to council property.
In his contribution, the Leader of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo, criticized the councillors for failing to follow due process in addressing their grievances. He condemned their actions and emphasized the importance of lawful conduct by public office holders.
Other lawmakers also stressed the need for peaceful dialogue, noting that the situation could have been handled without resorting to violence.
The House subsequently resolved that the councillors remain suspended pending the outcome of an investigation by its Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions, and Conflict Resolution. The decision aligns with Section 14(3) of the Local Government Law, which empowers the Assembly to suspend local government officials facing allegations of misconduct to allow for proper investigation.
In his remarks, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, expressed concern over the incident and urged political office holders to conduct themselves responsibly, reaffirming the Assembly’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state.
