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There is fear and uncertainty across the 18 local government councils in Cross River State as chairmen and vice chairmen face suspension or removal threats amid rising political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The anxiety deepened on Tuesday when the Cross River State House of Assembly suspended the Vice Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Idi Yakubu, for 90 days, following 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.
Many observers link the growing instability within council leaderships to early political realignments ahead of 2027, with allegations that influential interests are repositioning council officials seen as obstacles to re-election bids or succession plans.
Councillors, critics argue, are increasingly deployed as instruments to initiate impeachment or suspension proceedings.
The trend echoes in Bekwarra Local Government Area, where the State Assembly last year suspended and later removed the elected chairman, Mrs. Theresa Akwaji Ushie, over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office and administrative failures.
Her removal, backed by 19 of the 25 lawmakers, paved the way for her vice, Hon. Egbung Odama, to assume office.
The Bekwarra episode sparked widespread legal debate, with prominent lawyer and rights activist, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, faulting the Assembly’s action.
He described the removal as “null and void,” arguing that the Constitution does not vest state assemblies with the power to outrightly remove elected local government chairmen, and urged Ushie to seek judicial redress.
Similar tensions were recently 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.
The situation, which attracted public outcry, did not culminate in formal action.
Media reports alleged that the House of Assembly was indirectly fueling the crisis, claims strongly denied by the Speaker, Elvert Ayambem.
Ayambem, through his aide, Matthew Okache, dismissed reports that he threatened or attempted to unlawfully suspend the Ikom chairman, insisting his interventions were aimed at mediation.
He described allegations surrounding disputes over the disbursement of N15 million reportedly released for councillors’ INEC-related activities as misleading and untrue.
Meanwhile, the Assembly said Yakubu’s suspension in Ogoja was carried out in line 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.
Speaking during plenary, Speaker Ayambem said the Assembly would not tolerate 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.
2027: Fear grips Cross River LG chairmen, vice as power tussle deepens
