From Musa Kutama, Calabar
A councillor representing Ward 8 in Calabar South Local Government Area, Hon. Effiong Essang, has been accused of issuing death threats against the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, Etubom Nyong Effiom Okon, over the collection of statutory royalties from the local government.
The monarch alleged the threat while addressing journalists in his palace shortly after returning from court on Wednesday.
The case scheduled for hearing did not proceed as the presiding magistrate was absent and the police failed to present the suspect for arraignment.
Etubom Nyong said he received an official letter dated October 20, 2025 from the Chairman of Calabar South LGA, notifying him that the council would commence payment of royalties to the Traditional Rulers Council — a practice he described as routine.
However, days later, the monarch said residents of Ward 8 were shocked to find flyers distributed across the ward warning him not to receive “a single kobo” in royalties from the council. According to him, the message directly targeted his throne.
“The flyers specifically warned me to refrain from attempting to receive royalties from the council or I would soon see the end of my reign,” Etubom Nyong alleged.
Alarmed, the monarch said he called the councillor to seek clarification, but Essang allegedly repeated the threat.
“He told me on the phone that there would be mayhem if I dared collect the royalties,” he said.
Within 24 hours, the monarch claimed, he received an official letter on Ward 8 Councilor letterhead, signed by Hon. Essang.
“The letter stated clearly: ‘Nyong Effiom, your time is up if you collect royalties from the Local Government Council. Your family will soon cry for missing you,’” the monarch told journalists.
He said the Traditional Rulers Council became alarmed and reported the matter to police, especially given that Essang “is not originally from Cross River but from Oron in Akwa Ibom State and only resides in Ward 8.”
The monarch further alleged that since Essang’s arrest by operatives of the Cross River Police Command, “cult groups and militant groups have mounted pressure for his unconditional release without trial.”
Assistant Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, Igiri Ewa, confirmed the councillor’s arrest, adding that investigation is ongoing.
