Gov. Bassey Otu
By Anietie Akpan,
Cross River State government has suspended the activities of a socio-cultural group, Nkot Mbok indefinitely.
The state government had earlier, January 24, 2025, suspended the planned activities of Nkot Mbok in Calabar amid security concerns.
In statement from the Office of the State Security Adviser, Governor’s Office, dated January 30, said, “despite the said announcement, the organisers of Nkot Mbok are bent on holding the event on the 1st of February, 2025 without due permit”.
The statement which was signed by the State Security Adviser, Major General O U Obono (Rtd), said, “in view of the above, the activities of Nkot Mbok are hereby suspended indefinitely.
“Concerned parties are advised to adhere strictly to the suspension. Defaulters will be prosecuted”.
But some persons had made insinuations that the suspension of the group’s scheduled socio-cultural activities was politically motivated.
It is rumoured that Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong who is the sponsor of this year’s activities of the group may be nursing an ambition for the 2027 governorship race hence the government had to clamp down on the group.
However, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Comrade Nsa Gill had dismissed such insinuations saying, it is the handiwork of political jobbers and they should “stop the erroneous narratives, Governor Otu remains unwavering in his focus to develop Cross River”.
He said, “in the past few days, social media realm in Cross River State has been inundated with a plethora of incorrect narratives disseminated by meddlers and opportunistic politicians who have abruptly assumed the role of referees in a game that is yet to commence, talking about 2027 elections.
“These meddlers are quick to engage in name-calling, in their attempt to sow discord among elected officials, and fabricating scenarios to suit their whims”.
He stated, “our primary concern centers around the Governor, His Excellency Prince Bassey Edet Otu, who is steadfastly dedicated to justifying the mandate bestowed upon him by the electorates.
“The governor’s unwavering focus is on governance rather than political machinations. He is actively spearheading economic development, which is what the state needs most at this crucial time .
“It is imperative to emphasize that the peddlers of this false narratives are enemy of Cross River State and all hands must be on deck to put an immediate halt to it”.
He pointed out that “one such instance involves the twisted insinuations surrounding a security decision taken regarding a scheduled gathering of cultural affinities in Calabar – Nkot Mbok.
“The origins of Nkot Mbok dates back to a time prior to Governor Otu’s assumption of office in 2023, with no political affiliations attached. It is an undisputed fact that a majority of the cultural group’s members and leaders freely cast their votes for the Governor and continue to support him politically. Hence, it is utterly fallacious to insinuate political undertones and endeavor to pit the Governor against the senator representing his senatorial district, especially considering the latter’s sponsorship of the group’s annual event this year, as he did the previous year”.
