There is tension in Odukpani Local Government Council in Cross River State over the control of the local government legislative council.
Already, the Leader of the Odukpani Legislative Council, Hon Godswil Etim Iya, representing Obot Ward in Odukpani LGC has been impeached.
In a motion for removal of the Leader Odukpani Legislative Council, Hon Godswil Etim Iya, Councillor representing Obot Ward in Odukpani LGC made available to DAILY POST in Calabar, Cross River State, indicated that eleven out of thirteen councillors have endorsed the impeachment of the Leader, Hon Godswil Iya.
The Councillors who endorsed the motion are Hon Bassey Duke, Creek Town 11 Ward, Hon Bassey Itam, Ikoneto Ward, Hon Ben Nkebem Eniong Ward, Hon Ating Ekpeyong, Onim Ankiong Ward. Hon Okpo Eyonsa, Creek Town 1 Ward, Hon Nkoyo Obo Effiom Akamkpa Ward
Others are Hon Asido Effah Adiabo/Efut Ward. Hon Akang E. Okon Ekori/Anaku Ward, Hon Nkoyo E. Ubah, Ito/Idere/Ukwa ward, Hon Ukpong Ayat, Eki Ward, Hon Eton Effiong Okon, Obomitiat/Mbiabo/Ediong Ward
The two councillors who did not endorse the impeachment were Hon Godswil Iya, Odot Ward and Hon Effiom Okokon Edet, Odukpani central ward.
The Councillors accused their leader, Hon Godswil Iya of inefficiency and administrative high handedness without regards to them in the council
“We the undersigned councillors of Odukpani legislative council under the watch and leadership of Hon Godswill Etim Iya observed and conclude as follows, That the leadership style of Hon Godswil Iya is fraught with inefficiency and administrative high handedness without regards to his colleagues in the council.
“That his leadership is enmeshed in gross embezzlement and misappropriation of funds meant for the legislative and reckless spending of the legislative vote without following due process
“That as a leader whose fundamental duty is to protect the sanctity of the legislative and the interest of his colleagues Hon Godswil, on the contrary, used his position as a leader to obtain monies from 4 of his colleagues namely Hon Eton Effiong Okon, Hon Bassey Duke, Hon Nkoyo Obo, Hon Okokon Efiom
“That Hon Godswil Iya is incompetence in legislative matters and lack the requisite capacity to lead the revered Odukpani legislative council
“That Hon Godswil Iya is highly corrupt and use his office as an avenue to amass wealth for himself as well as attempting to blackmail the executive arm of Odukpani local government council for his pecuniary interest
“In view of the aforementioned, we hereby declare that we have completely lost the confidence we reposed on Hon Godswil Iya as our leader and in line with the part 4 Section 33 Sub Section 2c of the Cross River State local government law”,
The Councillors declared Hon Godswil Iya remove and that he ceases to act as the leader of Odukpani Legislative Council with immediate effect
“Hon Godswil Iya by this declaration and order shall hand over all official properties of Odukpani local government council including official vehicle to the newly elected leader, Odukpani legislative council with immediate effect” the motion stated.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Odukpani local government council, Hon. (Mrs.) Justina Edem has ordered the stoppage of the meeting scheduled for Friday by the Hon. Godswil Iya inviting “sons and daughters of Mbiabo/Ediong/ Obom Itiat/Eki East/Eki West and the entire Odot” to a “Peace and Conflict Resolution” at Ndon Nwong Town Hall
“The Executive Chairman acting on the security brief from the security chiefs within the Local Government have ordered the stoppage of such. Hon. Godswil Iya is hereby warned to desist forthwith from holding any of such meetings.
“The security agencies are hereby ordered to arrest anyone or group of persons that go against this order. However, the Chairman advise every resident of the Local Government Area to go about their legitimate businesses as modalities are in place to maintain peace and order” the statement added.
