—Says process lacked government approval, cites pending court case

 

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has ordered the immediate termination of the ongoing Clan and Village Creation exercise in the state, declaring that the process was carried out without the authorization of his administration.

In a directive conveyed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ededem Ani, the governor said the exercise being undertaken by the Office of the Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs lacked the approval and imprimatur of the State Government and therefore could not be allowed to continue.

“The said Clan and Village Creation exercise was neither authorised nor approved by his office,” the directive stated. “It does not carry the imprimatur of the State Government, and cannot be allowed to continue or to be given any further effect.”

The Attorney-General explained that the government’s decision was also informed by a pending legal action before the High Court of Cross River State, Calabar, regarding the process.

He said in view of the development, the Governor had directed that all activities connected with the exercise be stopped immediately.

“All activities connected with the ongoing Clan and Village Creation exercise, including the processing, verification or publication of any Clan or Village Creation List, be terminated forthwith,” Ani stated.

He further directed that “no further steps be taken by your office or any officer under your supervision towards the creation, recognition or conferment of Clan or Village status on any community pending further directive from the Government.”

The directive reiterated that the prior approval of the Governor remained a mandatory prerequisite for any clan or village creation exercise in the state.

*”No Clan or Village Creation exercise may be embarked upon by your office, or any officer under its supervision, without the prior approval of His Excellency the Governor,” the Attorney-General warned.

The termination of the exercise, according to the directive, underscores Governor Otu’s determination to ensure that processes affecting the recognition and administrative status of communities are undertaken strictly within the framework of lawful governmental authority.

The Attorney-General enjoined the Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs to treat the Governor’s directive with “the seriousness it deserves” and ensure “strict and immediate compliance.”

The issue of clan and village creation has in recent times generated tension in some communities in the state, with stakeholders calling for due process and transparency in the recognition of traditional stools.

Government sources say further consultations will be held with relevant stakeholders before any future exercise is considered.