Wevole Ezin, Calabar.
The Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State is at the center of a deepening crisis as Patrick Aidam, former Personal Assistant to the Deputy Leader of the Akamkpa Legislative Council, has resigned from his position, citing threats to his life and his community’s safety.
In a strongly worded resignation letter dated Thursday, February 27, 2025, Aidam accused the Executive Chairman of Akamkpa LGA, Felix Akposi, of failing to protect the people of Iko Esai community during a violent conflict that erupted on February 9.
According to Aidam, the ongoing violence which he claims has led to deaths, the burning of homes, vehicles, and cocoa farms has been met with inaction from the local government.
“The events leading to this decision… are worrisome and an existential threat to my life, the lives of my family members, and my community,” Aidam stated.
He further alleged that the community’s Clan Head, Chief Obio Arong Owal, who lost family members and property in the attacks, is currently in detention while perpetrators of the violence roam free.
However, in a swift response, Chairman dismissed Aidam’s allegations as “falsehoods and political propaganda.” He accused the former aide of being a “factional leader” in the Iko Esai crisis, stating that Aidam had fueled retaliatory violence, including the destruction of cocoa farms.
Akposi detailed his actions following the February 9 violence, saying he deployed security forces, evacuated victims, and handed over both factional leaders Chief Obio Arong Owal and Chief Elijah Okom Esira to the police for investigation.
“The crisis predated my administration, I have remained neutral and committed to due process, recommending to the Cross River State House of Assembly that a panel of inquiry be set up to investigate the matter.”
The Chairman criticized Aidam for politicizing the conflict, claiming that instead of cooperating with security agencies, the former PA chose to spread misinformation.
Meanwhile, the situation in Iko Esai remains tense, with displaced residents unable to return home. Aidam alleged that those attempting to re-enter the community face extortion and violence, even in the presence of security personnel.
In a bid to resolve the crisis, Akposi said the Cross River State House of Assembly has scheduled a hearing next week, urging all factions to present their grievances and work towards peace.
Addressing journalists on the crisis, the House member representing Akamkpa 1 Constituency, Hon. Okon Owuna, revealed that the conflict first emerged in 2022. As a leader in the local government, he initiated a peace process at the time to resolve the matter.
Hon. Owuna expressed surprise that the crisis had resurfaced two years later, despite earlier efforts to foster peace.
He disclosed that he had moved a motion of urgent public importance in the House, calling on the government to intervene swiftly to de-escalate the situation.
As a step toward restoring lasting peace, the lawmaker recommended the dissolution of the current council, pending the formation of a new executive committee by the community.
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