Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State fired the chairman of the state Traditional Rulers Council and then reversed it in less than a week, triggering widespread criticism and questions about decision-making within the administration.
Two separate letters signed by Francis Edet, the governor’s special adviser on chieftaincy affairs, surfaced on Facebook a few days ago showing contradictory directives regarding the leadership of the council.
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The first letter, dated 18 June and addressed to the chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council, announced the appointment of Felix Ukudare, the paramount ruler of Obudu Traditional Rulers Council, as the new chairman of the body.
Captioned “Appointment of a new chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council,” the letter stated: “This is to inform you that Governor Otu has approved the appointment of Felix Ukudare, the paramount ruler of Obudu Traditional Rulers Council, as the new chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council.”
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The letter further directed the incumbent chairman to halt an ongoing tour of local government areas and prepare handover notes.
“Consequently, you are advised to cancel your current tour of Local Government Areas and prepare your handover note to the incoming chairman as the department prepares the swearing-in of the new chairman by the governor, which comes up very soon.”
Reversal
However, another letter dated 23 June emerged five days later, overturning the earlier decision.
The letter, captioned “Extension of Tenure as Chairman of Council,” informed the incumbent chairman that Governor Otu had renewed his tenure for another two years.
“The Department of Chieftaincy Affairs is pleased to inform you that Governor Otu, after a thorough assessment of your performance, has graciously extended your tenure as chairman of the state’s Traditional Rulers Council for another two years.”
The letter added: “This extension of tenure officially cancels the earlier announced change of guard as stated by the department.”
Like the first correspondence, the second letter was also signed by Mr Edet.
The reversal letter is posted on Facebook by the governor’s spokesperson, Linus Obogo.
Public Outrage
The contradictory letters quickly generated reactions under the comment section of Mr Obogo’s post on Facebook, with many users questioning the circumstances that led to the abrupt reversal.
Reacting to the development, Facebook user Ohobu Amogor wrote: “So, Mr Obogo, the earlier announcement yesterday was a prank. I never knew Governor Otu is a magician.”
Another user, Iyam-Optimist Edodi, questioned who was making decisions in the government.
“Is our governor still in charge of his government, or are a few people, as rumoured, the ones making calls on his behalf?”
For Precious Akawu, the timing of the reversal raised concerns. “Why didn’t you bring this before yesterday’s celebration of another?”
Solomon Ede described the development as damaging to the state’s image.
“This is a first-class embarrassment to the state. It states clearly that the appointment was not by merit but influenced by non-state actors.”
Others warned that the controversy could undermine the traditional institution.
“I just hope the gods or ancestors won’t get angry for the confusion,” Obibia wrote.
Similarly, Ugbong Abegim alleged that political interests had influenced the process.
“Our sacred institution is being politicised in this appointment. The traditional rulers’ council maintains a sacrosanct rotation principle. It is well for Otu’s sectional interests, including traditional leadership.”
Otu exercising executive powers – aide
The governor’s spokesperson, Mr Obogo, when contacted, referred enquiries on the matter to Mr Edet, the governor’s special adviser on chieftaincy affairs.
Asked whether the letters announcing the removal and subsequent extension of tenure of the chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council the approval of Governor Otu, Mr Edet replied: “There’s nothing I do in my office without the approval of the governor. And anything I do is being guided by the traditional rulers’ council laws. A lot of people are not aware of that.”
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When asked whether the Traditional Rulers’ Council law is an Act of the State Assembly and if it permits the governor to unilaterally extend the tenure of a traditional ruler who has exhausted his tenure without recourse to the legislature, Mr Edet said: “Yes, from 1978 to date there is. Everybody who is there is supposed to be there for two years.
“The incumbent man who is there has exhausted his two years, and if, by the prerogative of the governor, he decides to extend it for him, he (Governor Otu) has the power.”
Mr Edet said the law empowers Mr Otu to extend the tenure of the chairman of the council if the governor wishes.
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