By Jude Opara
The Cross River State House of Assembly has described the action of former chairman of Bakassi LGA, Chief Amboni Iyadim and a few other politicians as treasonable felony capable of attracting the death penalty.
The lawmakers condemned a petition Iyadim and others signed and sent to President Bola Tinubu under the auspices of the Indigenous Displaced People of Bakassi communities, which urged the Federal Government to delist Bakassi from the 774 local government areas in the country.
Peoples Daily reports that the agitation has given rise to tension in Bakassi.
The lawmakers criticized the group for bypassing state authorities and failing to engage Governor Bassey Otu directly.
The Speaker, Elvert Ayambem said the House will summon Iyadim and the others to explain why they had to issue the petition without knowledge of the governor.
He said if they again refused to appear, the Assembly will issue warrants of arrest against them.
Ayambem condemned the petition as “a complete misnomer and facade,” warning that attempts to blackmail or politicize sensitive issues would not derail the state’s ongoing development.
“Cross River State is our common heritage. No one local government is more Cross River than the other.
“No atom of self-interest will derail the progress the state is witnessing. Cross River State is on the right track,” Ayambem stated.
The member representing Bakassi State Constituency, Eyo Bassey had raised a motion on the matter, clarifying that he was not consulted before the petition was submitted.
He reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the needs of the Bakassi people through constructive engagement rather than political agitation.
Co-sponsors of the motion denounced the petitioners for circumventing established channels, calling it an unfortunate disregard for protocol.
They urged the people of Bakassi to collaborate with the government rather than allow themselves to be manipulated by political interests.
The legislators further stressed that Governor Otu’s People First Agenda is inclusive and benefits all parts of the state, including Bakassi.
Deputy Speaker and leader of the House, Francis Asuquo who represents Odukpani state constituency, expressed fears that such tension in Bakassi could affect the $3 million which international investors intend to invest in the Bakassi deep seaport.
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