 |
Ukorebi Esien I September 26, 2025
CALABAR, – The Acting President of the Henshaw Town Council (HTC), Etubom Ekpo Nsa Ekeng, has issued a strong call to Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu to immediately remove Etubom Nyong Effiom Okon as Clan Head and Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, accusing him of land grabbing, intimidation, and frustrating peace efforts in the community.
Ekeng's demand comes on the heels of the failed peace meeting tagged "Nkot Mbok Nsidung 2025", which he convened on Thursday, September 25, 2025, to reconcile factions of the council. The gathering was aborted when the Paramount Ruler allegedly hijacked the venue, convened a parallel meeting, and ensured security operatives barred Ekeng's team from entering the council secretariat. Seven persons, including one Etubom, were arrested by the Anti-Cultism Squad in the process.
In a press release, Ekeng insisted that Okon who had been removed as President of Henshaw Town Council in 2019 after a court ruling and later expelled from the council, has been illegitimately parading himself as leader, creating fear among residents and investors.
"If a government-certified clan head is found to be land grabbing, extorting people and investors, intimidating and overreaching their authority… such a clan head should be stripped of that authority, made to return land, property, and extortion money to the rightful owner, and punished to deter others," he declared.
Documents backing his claims—including the 2019 court judgment, a newspaper notice of expulsion, and petitions to police authorities were attached to his statement.
HRM Etubom Nyong Efiom Okon, the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South LGA, however, has defended his intervention, reportedly stating that he acted to maintain peace and ensure a more inclusive reconciliation process.
Despite his defense, community members and Ekeng are united in their call for state intervention.
"We call on the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Prince Bassey Edet Otu, to intervene in the crisis in Henshaw Town Council and remove Etubom Nyong Effiom Okon as Clan Head and Paramount Ruler," the statement concluded.
The escalating dispute has heightened fears of instability in Calabar South, with observers warning that only decisive action from the state government can end the protracted crisis.
0 comments: