The Chairman of Bakassi Local Council, Effiong Etim Okon, has denied the allegation in a social media handle purporting the involvement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the alleged thuggery and disruption of African Democratic Congress (ADC) meeting in the council area on Saturday, March 14, 2026, where very influential names in the state and local council were mentioned in the report.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Eyo Eyo, and made available to journalists in Calabar yesterday, the Chairman said contrary to the allegation, reports revealed that rival ADC hierarchy in the area stirred up uproar, which provoked government and security concerns.

The release said that the council chairman could not have issued any directive to disrupt public peace at such a time that he was still mourning the death of his father.

The statement noted: “The whole scenario lies on falsehood and is calculated to undermine the focus of the administration. The APC in the local council enjoys internal democracy and is led by responsible leadership, and is not afraid of opposition.

Consequently, the council leadership has directed that, henceforth, all political gatherings in the Bakassi Local Council Area must be in the overall public interest, cleared by security operatives in the area and the local council.

The statement further stated that the Bakassi Local Council is not a bizarre environment but a constituted authority governed by rules and regulations that promote peace and internal cohesion, and would not associate itself with socio-variables that tend to undermine existing social equilibrium in the local council area.

It said: “Since Bakassi Local Council believes in the rule of law, it takes responsibility to protect lives and property in the area, and would not allow any of its assets to be destroyed anymore under the guise of a political gathering by the rising generation.

“We abhor egocentrism that sees destruction as a stock in trade but aligns with the forces of progress and remains grateful.