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Four Councillors of Akpabuyo Legislative Council have been suspended for 90 days over alleged gross misconduct.
The Cross River State House of Assembly slammed the suspension following allegations of cultism, violence and attacks on officials.
The Assembly listed the suspended councillors as Innocent Mbukpa, Patrick Eyo Etim, Bassey Effiom Edet and Tete Oyoyo Ubene.
The announcement of their suspension was made Wednesday by the Speaker after the House unanimously resolved that the councillors be suspended.
The Assembly had deliberated on a petition signed by two other councillors, namely Emmanuel Archibong and Bassey Ekpo, who alleged that the suspended lawmakers “were in the habit of molesting, pestering, harassing and exhibiting aggressive behaviour”.
The petition was read at plenary by the member representing Abi State Constituency and Deputy Leader of the House, Davies Etta.
He further stated that the suspended councillors also used their secret cult group to perpetrate crimes by molesting and intimidating the Leader of the Legislature, Ekpo Bassey Ekpo.
It was also alleged, in the petition, that the suspended councillors attacked the leader and staff of the council on the 23rd of March, 2026, resulting in injuries on some people as well as destruction of council property.
Contributing to the matter, the Leader of the Assembly, Francis Bassey Asuquo noted that the affected councillors did not follow due process in the expression of their grievances.
He condemned the violent stance of the councillors and stressed the need for public officials to act according to the law.
Other members in their separate contributions emphasised that the councillors ought to have towed the path of peace and dialogue instead of violence.
They further agreed that, the affected councillors be suspended pending the conclusion of investigation by the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution and in line with Section 14 sub 3 of the Local Government Law which empowers the Assembly to suspend elected or appointed Local Government officials facing allegations of misconduct for proper investigations.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, expressed sadness over the incident.
He stressed that political office holders should conduct themselves properly while reiterating the commitment of the House to the peace and security of the state.
Assembly suspends four councillors over alleged cultism, violence
