Fear and uncertainty have spread across the 18 local government areas of Cross River State as chairmen and vice chairmen face growing threats of suspension or removal amid rising political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The anxiety intensified on Tuesday following the 90-day suspension of the Vice Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Idi Yakubu, by the Cross River State House of Assembly. The action followed an impeachment notice issued by the Ogoja Legislative Council.
The notice, signed by the council leader, Dr. Elizabeth Mbim, accused Yakubu of gross misconduct, abandonment of duty and other infractions.
Political observers have linked the emerging instability within local government leaderships to early political realignments ahead of 2027, with claims that powerful interests are repositioning council officials perceived as obstacles to re-election bids or succession plans. Critics allege that councillors are increasingly being used to initiate impeachment or suspension proceedings.
A similar scenario played out last year in Bekwarra Local Government Area, where the House of Assembly suspended and subsequently removed the elected chairman, Mrs. Theresa Akwaji Ushie, over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office and administrative lapses. Her removal, reportedly supported by 19 of the 25 lawmakers, led to her vice, Hon. Egbung Odama, assuming office.
The Bekwarra case triggered legal and public debate, with senior lawyer and rights activist, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, describing the Assembly’s action as “null and void.” He argued that the Constitution does not empower state assemblies to outrightly remove elected local government chairmen and urged Ushie to seek judicial redress.
Tensions have also been reported in Ikom Local Government Area, where the chairman, Pastor Mercy Nsor, was said to have faced threats of suspension following disagreements with some councillors. Although the situation sparked public outcry, it did not result in formal disciplinary action.
Media reports alleged that the House of Assembly was indirectly fueling the Ikom crisis, claims firmly denied by the Speaker, Elvert Ayambem. Speaking through his aide, Matthew Okache, the Speaker dismissed reports that he threatened or attempted to unlawfully suspend the Ikom chairman, insisting his involvement was purely mediatory.
He also described reports linking the dispute to the disbursement of ₦15 million allegedly released for councillors’ INEC-related activities as misleading and untrue.
Meanwhile, the Assembly maintained that Yakubu’s suspension in Ogoja was carried out in accordance with Section 14(3) of the Cross River State Local Government Law. The motion was moved by the House Leader, Francis Bassey Asuquo, and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Davies Etta, pending investigation by the House Committee on Judiciary and Public Service Matters.
Addressing lawmakers during plenary, Speaker Ayambem said the Assembly would not condone actions capable of undermining effective local government administration, stressing that due process, accountability and strict adherence to the law must guide governance at the grassroots level.
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