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 are Innocent Mbukpa, Patrick Eyo Etim, Bassey Effiom Edet, and Tete Oyoyo Ubene.
Their suspension followed the consideration of a petition submitted by two members of the council, Emmanuel Archibong and Bassey Ekpo, accusing the suspended councillors of persistent misconduct.
The petition, read on the floor of the House during plenary by the Deputy Leader and member representing Abi State Constituency, Davies Etta, alleged that the councillors were “in the habit of molesting, pestering, harassing, and exhibiting aggressive behaviour.”
It further alleged that the affected councillors used a secret cult group to perpetrate acts of intimidation, including harassment of the Leader of the Legislature, Hon. Ekpo Bassey Ekpo.
According to the petitioners, the situation escalated on March 23, 2026, when the councillors allegedly attacked the council leader and staff, resulting in injuries to some individuals and destruction of council property.
Deliberating on the matter, the Leader of the House, Francis Bassey faulted the actions of the suspended councillors, noting that they failed to follow due process in addressing their grievances.
He condemned the alleged violent conduct and emphasised that public office holders must operate within the confines of the law.
Other lawmakers, in their contributions, also decried the development, stressing that the councillors should have embraced dialogue and lawful channels rather than resorting to violence.
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.
The lawmakers said the action was in line with Section 14(3) of the Local Government Law, which empowers the Assembly to suspend elected or appointed local government officials facing allegations of misconduct to allow for proper investigation.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, expressed concern over the incident and urged political office holders to conduct themselves responsibly.
He reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to maintaining peace, order, and security across the state.
