The Cross River State House of Assembly has condemned a petition sent to President Bola Tinubu by former Bakassi LGA Chairman, Chief Amboni Iyadim, and other politicians, describing their actions as “treasonable felony” with potential penalties as severe as a death sentence.
The petition, signed under the banner of the Indigenous Displaced People of Bakassi Communities, urged the Federal Government to delist Bakassi from Nigeria’s 774 local government areas—a move that has sparked tension in the area.
Speaker of the Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, criticized the group for bypassing state authorities and failing to engage Governor Bassey Otu on the issue. He announced plans to summon Iyadim and his associates for questioning, warning that arrest warrants would follow if they failed to comply.
“This petition is a complete misnomer and facade,” Ayambem declared. “No self-interest will derail the progress we are witnessing in Cross River State.”
Eyo Bassey, the lawmaker representing Bakassi State Constituency, expressed surprise at the petition, saying he was never consulted. He reiterated his commitment to addressing Bakassi’s concerns through dialogue rather than agitation.
Other lawmakers echoed their disapproval, highlighting the potential damage the controversy could cause to an upcoming $3 million investment in the Bakassi Deep Seaport.
The Assembly urged Bakassi residents to avoid political manipulation and embrace Governor Otu’s “People First Agenda,” which they said guarantees inclusive development for all parts of the state.
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