Lawmakers’ Sack: Police Seal Off C-River Assembly

BY UBON EKANEM – The usual bustling atmosphere during the sittings of lawmakers at the Cross River State House of Assembly (CRSHA) was effectively disrupted on Tuesday as detachments of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in the State took over the Assembly complex.

Without any prior warning, all roads leading to the complex were effectively blocked and cordoned off by armed and fierce-looking police personnel early on Tuesday morning leaving many people stranded.

In the process, the policemen were seen turning back the Assembly staff and some visitors who usually frequent the lawmakers’ domain for consultations, favours and possible business projects.

Everyone at sight was warned by the security officers to return home and avoid loitering around the area.

According to Forefront’s sources, the various Police detachments were already deployed to their respective positions as early as 6 am with strict directives that no activity is permitted to take place within the Assembly complex until further notice.

Eyewitnesses accounts indicated that the Police personnel sighted on duty included fully-armed units from the anti-kidnapping and cultism squad as well as the regular officers.

It was also noticed that security around the Cross River State Government House, located a few meters away from the Assembly, has been beefed up with additional policemen seen patrolling the area.

Competent sources hinted that the sudden development may not be unconnected with the recent judgment by a Federal High Court in Abuja sacking 18 lawmakers from the State and two in the House of Representatives for dumping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to pitch tent with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on May 20, 2021.

The polity-shaking judgment was delivered by Justice Taiwo Taiwo who lashed out at the lawmakers for abandoning the Party that brought them into office.

However, as tension over the court ruling heightens in the South-South state, the ruling APC said it has already applied to the Court for a stay of execution of the judgment, while proceeding to the Appeal Court to argue the sacked lawmakers’ case.

Our usual reliable source said the happenings have strong ties with moves by the Governor Ben Ayade-led APC administration to ensure the opposition PDP do not readily take advantage of the current chaotic situation to perpetrate mischief in any guise.

“There are fears in government circles that in the emerging confusion, the PDP and opponents of the governor can easily move to shake the political tables in the State”, the source said.