…Bakassi Assembly flexes authority amid delisting agitation.
…Traditional leaders face financial and symbolic penalties.
…Conflict highlights unresolved post-cession tensions.
Calabar–The Bakassi Legislative Assembly has taken drastic measures against traditional leaders and individuals pushing for the delisting of Bakassi Local Government Area (LGA) from Nigeria’s 774 recognized LGAs. The Motion on Revocations , moved by Hon. Ene Edet and seconded by Hon. Joseph Orok Andem, imposes sanctions on those allegedly undermining the LGA’s constitutional status NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
The key decisions from the Assembly includes the withdrawal of Traditional Leaders’ Recognition & Stipends where the certificates of recognition and financial entitlements will be revoked for seven traditional rulers, including:
– H.R.H Edem Archibong
– H.H Effong Etim Okon
– Chief Essien Ekpo Edem
According to the motion sighted by NEGROIDHAVEN, this decision to withdraw their certificate hinges on the alleged involvement in a petition by the Indigenous Displaced People of Bakassi Communities (IDPBC) and refusal to honor Assembly summons.
It also includes the revocation of Certificates of Origin affecting six individuals, including Hon. Iyadim A. Iyadim and Bishop Samuel Asuquo, will lose their certificates of origin for “abandoning allegiance” to Bakassi.
The Assembly’s justification premises on the petition to delist Bakassi was deemed a threat to Nigeria’s constitutional framework and the rights of legitimate residents. The accused individuals’ refusal to appear before the Assembly despite an arrest warrant was labeled as “disregard for due process.”
The resolution warned that such actions could embolden lawlessness and destabilize governance. “This Assembly stands firm to protect Bakassi’s territorial integrity. Any attempt to undermine our LGA status will be met with decisive action,” the motion reads in part. Public announcements of the sanctions will be made through government channels. Observers await federal response, given Bakassi’s sensitive history.
Background
Bakassi, a disputed territory ceded to Cameroon in 2008 but still recognized as a Nigerian LGA, has faced political and identity crises. The IDPBC’s petition reflects lingering tensions over resettlement and resource allocation.
