From Musa Muhammad Kutama,
CalabarThe Forum of Former Local Government Council Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen, Councillors and Appointees in Cross River State (2020–2023) has dissociated itself from reports alleging plans to organise a protest against Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s administration.
The forum made its position known in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Mr Ibor Bassey Oka, popularly known as Ibortex, and made available to journalists in Calabar.
The statement clarified the forum’s position concerning the alleged plan to stage a protest against the state government, stressing that it had no involvement in organising, sponsoring, mobilising or supporting such an action.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Forum has no plan, intention, or involvement whatsoever in organising, sponsoring, mobilising, or supporting any protest against the government of the day,” the statement said.
It added that the forum completely dissociated itself from any individual or group attempting to link it to the alleged protest.
According to the statement, the clarification was necessary to protect peace, political stability, mutual understanding and the continued development of Cross River State.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to responsible leadership, constructive engagement and the peaceful coexistence of citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations.
It also stated that its chairman, Hon. Dr Bassey Agara Tom, and Secretary-General, Ibor Bassey Oka, had no involvement in any alleged plan to mobilise members of the Labour Party (LP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), National Democratic Congress (NDC) or any other political party for a protest against the Otu administration.
The statement noted that the clarification had become necessary because the names of the forum’s leaders had reportedly been mentioned in various official and political circles, including engagements involving the governor’s office and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
It said the public and relevant authorities needed to understand the forum’s position to prevent misunderstanding, misrepresentation or any unwarranted association with activities it had not sanctioned.
The forum urged members of the public, security agencies, political stakeholders and relevant authorities to disregard claims linking it to the proposed protest.
It further called for accountability where individuals falsely claimed to be acting on the forum’s behalf.
The group also urged security agencies to investigate any credible information regarding the alleged mobilisation and take appropriate lawful measures to maintain peace and public order in the state.
While acknowledging citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful political expression, the forum maintained that governance-related issues should be addressed through lawful, peaceful and constructive engagement.
“We therefore reaffirm our commitment to peace, responsible political participation, and the overall development of Cross River State under the leadership of His Excellency, Apostle Senator Bassey Edet Otu,” the statement added.
The forum expressed appreciation to the Cross River State Government, security agencies, APC leadership and the general public for their understanding, expressing hope that the clarification would prevent further speculation and misrepresentation.
It reiterated that the Forum of Former Local Government Council Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen, Councillors and Appointees (2020–2023) was neither organising nor sponsoring or endorsing any protest against the Cross River State Government.