Cross River councillors suspended over alleged dishonesty and embezzlement.

Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports

Three Akpabuyo legislative council members have been suspended indefinitely for embezzlement, dishonesty, and gross misconduct.

They were accused of diverting N1.2 million donated by a State House of Assembly member, Ekeng Effiom Edet, who represents Akpabuyo State constituency, and intended for ten Councilors in the Akpabuyo legislative council.

The action was taken in the legislative chamber on November 1, 2022, and their suspension took effect yesterday.

Hon. Elijah Effiom Effanga, representing Effanga Offiong Ward and the majority leader of Akpabuyo legislature, Hon. Offiong Offiong Eyo, representing Nakanda Ward and the Deputy Majority leader, and Hon. Etim Bassey Edet, representing Edet Nsa Ward are the three Councilors.

Queen Nyong Effiom, who represents Eneyo North Ward in the Legislative Assembly, moved for their suspension, calling their alleged actions “ugly and criminal.”

The Council’s Resolution No. 23, which deals with the suspension of the three Councilors, was invoked.

Other Legislative Council members frowned and condemned the three Councilors’ behavior.

Queen Nyong’s substantive motion was thus seconded by Hon. Etim Okon Inyang, Councilor representing Edem Odo ward.

Seven Councilors voted in favor of their suspension from plenary.

As a result, the councillors will lose all of their benefits during their suspension.

Offiong Offiong Eyo-Councilor representing Nakanda ward, one of the suspended councilors, told journalists that the suspension has no effect.

“The suspension is untenable. It has no effect because proper procedure was not followed.

“No one can suspend me, and I can’t be hung by my voice,” he explained.

In addition, Akpabuyo legislature leader Ekong Edet Uquo stated that their suspension will serve as a deterrent to others.

He emphasized that the councillors’ actions had violated the legislature’s moral ethics.