Calabar–The 7th Bakassi Legislative Assembly has issued a strong rebuttal to the media briefing and public statements made by Chief Iyadim Amboni Iyadim, leader of the purported Indigenous Displaced People of Bakassi Communities (IDPBC), accusing him of dishonesty and inconsistency in his claims regarding the resettlement of displaced Bakassi people. In a press statement signed by Grace Bassey, Leader of the Bakassi Legislative Assembly, the legislature highlighted what it described as contradictions in Iyadim’s statements and questioned his motives NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
The Assembly pointed out that Iyadim’s objection to the location of the Bakassi LGA headquarters in Ikot Effiom is inconsistent with his actions during his tenure as Executive Chairman of Bakassi LGA between 2020 and 2023. During his time in office, the council secretariat, including his office, was situated in Ikot Effiom, and he never raised any objections to this arrangement.
“Why is Iyadim raising this issue now that he is no longer chairman? His sudden insistence on the headquarters being in Abana, Dayspring, or Kwa Island is inconsistent with his actions while in office. This raises serious questions about his motives and honesty,” the statement read.
The Assembly dismissed Iyadim’s claim that the Bakassi Legislative Assembly has no authority to investigate issues related to the resettlement of displaced Bakassi people. It emphasized that the legislature, being the closest tier of government to the people, has every right to look into matters that directly affect the local government.
“Iyadim cannot claim that because he is addressing the President, the Bakassi Legislature cannot look into the issue. If he is sincere, why is he bypassing the state government and the 10th National Assembly, which includes Senators and House of Representatives members from Cross River State? Why is he attempting to engage the President directly as the first point of call? If this is not dishonesty and mischief, what else is it?”
The Assembly defended Hon. Ene Okon Edet, Chairman of the Bakassi Legislative Committee on Judiciary, Public Petition, and Conflict Resolution, stating that he has the right to invite Iyadim and his group for questioning. It also clarified that Edet’s signing of a petition expressing his opinion does not disqualify him from performing his legislative duties.
“Hon. Ene Okon Edet retains the right to invite Iyadim and his group since he is acting on behalf of the legislature. The petition he signed was an expression of his opinion, which he is entitled to. Iyadim’s attempt to discredit Edet is baseless and only serves to distract from the real issues,” the statement noted.
The Assembly highlighted a glaring contradiction in Iyadim’s statements, noting that while he claims his group’s petition to the President is solely about the proper resettlement of displaced Bakassi people, he used the phrase “on the delisting of Bakassi Local Government” in his response to the legislature.
“In both paragraphs 3 and 4 of his response to the legislature when he was summoned, Iyadim used the phrase ‘on the delisting of Bakassi Local Government as one of the 774 Council Areas in the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 as amended.’ This clearly contradicts his claim that his group’s petition is only about resettlement. How can he deny calling for delisting when his own words betray him?”
The Bakassi Legislative Assembly reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of the people of Bakassi. It called on Iyadim Amboni Iyadim and his group to clarify their true intentions and to engage with the appropriate local, state, and national institutions if they are genuinely committed to the resettlement of displaced Bakassi people.
“Iyadim’s actions and words raise serious questions about his honesty and motives. If he is truly committed to the resettlement of Bakassi people, he should engage with the local and state governments as well as the National Assembly, rather than attempting to bypass due process. The people of Bakassi deserve transparency and sincerity from their leaders,” the statement concluded.
