By: Our Reporter, Calabar
Recalled that recently, Cross River state governor, His Excellency Sen Bassey Edet Otu, issued a public statement suspending the Village Head of Esuk Utan Community in Cross River state over an alleged “fraudulent practices”.
The statement read “in our unwavering commitment to fairness, accountability, and the maintenance of peace, I have made the difficult decision to suspend HH (Chief) Okon Archibong Eke, the Village Head of Esuk Utan, along with the entire Village Council.”
According to the governor, “this decision was not made lightly; however, it is necessary to address the serious allegations raised against the Village Head and his council”.
It further added “to ensure that we uphold due process, I have instructed the Calabar Municipal Traditional Rulers’ Council to conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations”.
Otu further directed that their findings and recommendations were expected to be submitted to the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs within one week.
He directed in the interim, that the Obutong Clan Council will establish a five-member committee to oversee the village’s affairs until the investigation is concluded.
He therefore urge all residents and business owners in Esuk Utan to remain calm and continue with your daily activities until the investigations are over.
However, sources close the community said that despite the suspension order, the embattled Village Head, His Highness (Chief) Okon Archibong Eke, is still parading himself as the Village Head.
Our investigation also revealed that he and his former council members have been holding clandestine meetings, harassing business owners with series of threat actions, thereby jettisoning the governors order.
Also, “he is still parading himself as the Village Head of Esuk Utan and has refused to return the certificate of recognition to the Clan Head of Obutong Clan as directed by the Governor despite the official letter of reminder by the Obutong Clan Council to him to effect the Governor’s directive.”
Furthermore, “he and his suspended council are still holding clandestine meetings in the community, thereby jettisoning the governor’s order”.
Also, our sources said the suspended Village Head is planning to drag the State Government and Community to court as at the time of filling this report.