- Safiu Kehinde
Cross Rivers Governor, Bassey Otu, has issued the immediate suspension of Chief Okon Archibong, the Village Head of Esuk Utan, along with his council members over alleged misuse of office.
The directive was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor,Mr. Nsa Gil, on Monday in Calabar.
According to the statement, the suspension followed allegations of misuse of office by the traditional ruler and his council, which gave rise to several petitions.
Reacting to the development, Otu charged the Calabar Municipal Traditional Rulers Council to investigate the allegations against the village head and his council, and to make recommendations.
He also directed them to set up a five-man committee to manage the affairs of Esuk Utan Village pending the outcome of the investigation.
“Reports on findings and recommendations should be sent to the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs within one week.
“The Obutong Clan Council is mandated to set up a five-man committee to manage the affairs of Esuk Utan Village pending the outcome of the investigation.” the statement partly read.
Meanwhile, the governor, urged members of the public living or operating businesses in Esuk Utan to go about their normal activities and cease all dealings with the suspended village head and his council.