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| Hon. Efeffiong Nta Eke |
In a dramatic turn of events, an open letter addressed to Hon Efeffiong Nta Eke, former Chairman of the Calabar Municipality Local Government, has ignited a firestorm of controversy within the political landscape of Cross River State. The letter, purportedly from a group identifying themselves as Concern Calabar Municipality Group, levies serious accusations against Chairman Nta Eke, alleging defamation of character and mismanagement of local government affairs while in office as chairman of council.
The letter, dated Friday, April 12, 2024, indicted Nta Eke and his alleged “puppets,” accusing them of engaging in a campaign of insults and character assassination against Chief Felix Victor Idem, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs. The writers express their dismay at what they perceive as relentless attacks on Chief Idem’s character and leadership.
Quoting directly from the letter, it reads: “We have noted with gross dismay your continuous insult, attack and defamation of character on the Leader of our great Party in Calabar Municipality and Commissioner for Local Government Affairs; Hon Chief Felix Victor Idem – Akamba Papa, by you and your cohorts.”
Furthermore, the group claimed Nta who has in different foras confessed to have benefitted from the kind gestures of Chief Felix etter delves into personal accusations against is only being ungrateful and a betrayal. It references instances where Chief Idem purportedly provided assistance to Nta Eke, including paying his school fees, only for Nta Eke to allegedly turn against him later in life.
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| Chief Felix Victor Idem |
It added that under Nta Eke’s leadership as chairman of council, the local government, especially traders in the Ika Ika Uqua market, endured hardship due to multiple and illegal taxation practices. They highlighted Eke’s alleged shortcomings as chairman of council, particularly focusing on his inability to bring stability to the Ika Ika Uqua market, which has reportedly been addressed by a local contractor.
“Note the market has been contracted to a seasoned politician who is better rooted compared to your non indigenes who paraded themselves like stone gods. Today the market has water flowing, light, security and the charges as low as N100 per day, something you could not do as a seating chairman, shame unto you….Today the market has water flowing, light, security and the charges as low as #100 per day, something you could not do as a seating chairman, shame unto you.”
The group also used the platform to remind that Chief Felix Victor Idem remains the leader of Calabar Municipality after an endorsement by Calabar Municipality stakeholders, adding that any insult directed at Chief Idem is tantamount to disrespecting the Governor of Cross River State.
“In conclusion, we wish to inform the public that after the Governor realised the atrocities carried out by Nta and his cohorts, called for a State Stakeholders meeting held on March 2, 2024 and openly chastised him over the incessant court cases over the revenue of the Local Government which he signed to himself as a contractor for the next four (4)years. The Governor asked that the case be withdrawn, Nta bluntly refused and pretend not to be involved. He further went behind and asked his lawyer Barr Edim Aikpo, a supposed leader of Ward two (2), on April 3, 2024 to refile a case restraining the LGA council from handling the Local Government out bound revenue with a fake name.”
The group which threatened to further expose alleged indiscretions of Nta Eke, warned him against venting his frustrations on Chief Felix Victor Idem while advising him to heed the Governor’s directive to withdraw his legal disputes against the local government
