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Ukorebi Esien | January 18, 2026
IKOM – Political tension continues to simmer in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State following allegations of moves to unseat the Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Pst. (Mrs.) Mercy Nsor.
Several stakeholders and councillors in the LGA have reportedly closed ranks behind the chairman, insisting that she remains lawfully in office and has not violated any provision of the Cross River State Local Government Law or the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The controversy follows claims by some political actors that the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, is exerting influence over local party structures and political processes in Ikom. According to sources familiar with developments in the area, concerns have been raised over meetings allegedly convened by individuals perceived to be loyal to the Speaker, which critics say are aimed at influencing the leadership of the council ahead of forthcoming party congresses.
Supporters of the council chairman have described the allegations of maladministration against her as unsubstantiated and politically motivated. They argue that oversight of the executive arm of the local government rests primarily with the legislative arm of the council, made up of elected councillors, and not with any single individual outside that structure.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a stakeholder in Ikom questioned the legality of demands allegedly made for council financial records outside established constitutional and statutory procedures.
"Accountability is important, but it must follow due process. The councillors are constitutionally empowered to carry out oversight of the council's finances and administration. Any other approach raises serious legal and institutional concerns," the source said.
The legislative arm of the Ikom Local Government Council is said to have reaffirmed its support for the chairman, noting that no formal resolution, impeachment process, or official report of wrongdoing has been presented against her. Councillors have reportedly maintained that they have not identified any breach serious enough to warrant disciplinary action against the executive chairman.
Some stakeholders have also expressed concern over what they described as selective stakeholder engagements, alleging that several prominent political leaders and former officeholders from the area were not invited to recent meetings relating to Ikom affairs. They argue that such exclusions undermine the credibility of decisions taken at those gatherings.
Despite the growing political debate, there has been no official communication from the state government or the Cross River State House of Assembly indicating that any lawful process has been initiated to remove the Ikom council chairman.
Observers have called for restraint, transparency, and strict adherence to constitutional provisions to prevent the situation from escalating. They stress that any concerns about governance in Ikom Local Government Area should be addressed through appropriate legal and institutional mechanisms.
As of the time of filing this report, Hon. Mercy Nsor remains in office, with her supporters insisting that she continues to enjoy the confidence of the council legislature and a significant section of stakeholders within the LGA.
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