The Cross River State House of Assembly (CRHA) has suspended four councillors of the Akpabuyo Legislative Council for 90 days over alleged gross misconduct.

Those affected are Innocent Mbukpa, Patrick Eyo Etim, Bassey Effiom Edet, and Tete Oyoyo Ubene. The decision followed the House’s consideration of a petition submitted by two councillors, Emmanuel Archibong and Bassey Ekpo, accusing their colleagues of persistent harassment, intimidation, and aggressive conduct.

Reading the petition during plenary, the Deputy Leader of the House and member representing Abi State Constituency, Davies Etta, said the accused councillors were alleged to have engaged in acts of molestation and intimidation, including the use of suspected cult groups to threaten the leadership of the council.

The petition further alleged that the suspended councillors attacked the Leader of the Legislature, Ekpo Bassey Ekpo, and council staff on March 23, 2026, resulting in injuries and damage to council property.

Contributing to the debate, the Leader of the House, Francis Asuquo, faulted the councillors’ approach to addressing grievances, stressing that due process must always be followed.

He condemned the alleged resort to violence, noting that public office holders must operate within the bounds of the law.

Other lawmakers also decried the development, urging political actors to embrace dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms.

The House resolved that the councillors remain suspended pending the outcome of an investigation by its Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution.

Lawmakers cited Section 14(3) of the Local Government Law, which empowers the Assembly to suspend elected or appointed local government officials facing allegations of misconduct to allow for proper investigation.