Cross River: 196 Councilors Protest Neglect by Gov't Demand Wardrobe, Furniture Allowances

By Our REPORTER 

 The 196 councilors from the 196 wards of Cross River State have concluded plans to protest what they described as "unprecedented systemic neglect " by the state government, THE BEAGLE NEWS can authoritatively report.

THE BEAGLE NEWS gathered that the councillors are piqued that their wardrobe and furniture allowances have not been paid since they assumed office in November 2024.

Some of the councilors, who spoke to our reporter off record, expressed worry at the treatment meted out to one year into their tenure, saying "most of us still operate with no office and official vehicles."

The law makers, who said they have been nicknamed "trekking councillors" said: "We have been abandoned by a government we openly backed. 

"In several Local Government Areas, councillors operate without functional office spaces, forcing them to conduct legislative duties in makeshift environments.

"What makes the situation more troubling for many of us is the fact that Governor Otu, himself a former legislator, should understand the importance of legislative welfare and institutional support. 

"Yet, this administration has consistently turned a blind eye to our plight," he explained.

One of the councilors, who admitted that they are in town to mobilise and carry out the protest, said:" The government people are aware and they are also planning to scuttle our planned protest."

However, Hon. Sam Eneji, chairman of the State's Legislative leader has debunked the allegations, saying "there is no plan protest by any councilor against the government of the day."

Eneji, who is the legislative leader in Obudu local government area, said: "All councillors in the state are working hand in hand with the present government, and they are having a smooth working relationship to maintain the season of sweetness."