The Cross River State House of Assembly has ordered the immediate revocation of all government-owned properties sold in Ogoja Local Government Area, citing gross irregularities and lack of due process.
This decision was announced in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Matthew Okache, and made available to journalists in Calabar on Tuesday.
The resolution followed deliberations during plenary on a report by the House Committee on Lands and Housing, which investigated the controversial sale of nine government flats near the General Hospital in Ogoja.
According to the report, the affected properties include four blocks of two semi-detached 2-bedroom bungalows and a 3-bedroom apartment. These structures were originally built in 1985 under the administration of Governor Clement Ebri to address the housing needs of civil and public servants.
The matter was first brought to the Assembly’s attention on January 7, 2025, by Hon. Thomas Aruku, member representing Ogoja State Constituency. He alleged that officials from the Ministry of Lands in Calabar orchestrated the sale without adhering to proper procedures.
Presenting the committee’s findings, Chairman Martins Achadu disclosed that the properties were sold for a total of ₦8 million. One of the flats was reportedly allocated to a Mr. Joseph Item as a “commission” for the current occupant, Mr. Stephen Agian.
Achadu further explained that the Ministry of Lands acted based on a 2004 resolution passed during the tenure of former Governor Donald Duke, which permitted the sale of certain dilapidated state-owned buildings. However, the Ogoja properties were not included in that list, nor was any fresh approval granted by the current administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu.
Lawmakers condemned the sale in strong terms, describing it as fraudulent, deceptive, and a blatant abuse of public office. They expressed particular concern over the uniform pricing of both 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units and the reliance on outdated property valuations.
The Assembly called for a full-scale investigation into the matter and demanded that all individuals involved face appropriate sanctions. It also summoned those linked to the illegal transaction to appear before a public hearing.
In his remarks, Speaker Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to accountability and transparency.
“We will not permit any public officer to violate the law. The House must lead by example and ensure that public assets are protected for the benefit of all Cross Riverians,” Ayambem stated.
The resolution signals a firm stance by the legislature against the misuse of public property and a renewed effort to uphold good governance in Cross River State.
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