Chief Monday Esu, the village chief of Ikot Umo Essien, has been suspended by the Akwa Ibom State government of Governor Umo Eno due to suspected acts of terrorism and violations of public order.
Frank Archibong, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, reportedly made the announcement in a statement on Wednesday in Uyo.
In order to allow for a thorough examination into the accusations made against the troubled village chief, Archibong stated that the suspension would remain for six months.
The commissioner claims that Chief Esu was suspended in response to allegations that he was involved in actions that could cause instability in the community, such as allegedly sponsoring theft and vandalism at a recently built block of stores in the Ikot Ekpenyong community market.
“Acts that violate peace and security, such as alleged sponsorship of vandalism and theft of facilities at newly constructed blocks of shops at the Ikot Ekpenyong community market, are among the allegations against the village head,” Archibong said.
He clarified that conduct that could jeopardize law and order in rural areas could not be disregarded by the state government.
According to the statement, thugs from Ikot Umo Essien village had recently broken into the Ikot Ekpenyong community market, where they allegedly robbed, vandalized, and destroyed recently constructed stores.
“In February 2024, Mr. Nsikak Ekong, the immediate past member representing Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, facilitated the block of shops as a constituency project,” Archibong stated.
He further said that the robbers did not stop at the stores; instead, they proceeded to demolish a VIP bathroom and a Fadama-sponsored borehole inside the market premises, taking valuables including aluminum roofing sheets, doors, windows, overhead tanks, generators, and water pumps.
The commissioner went on, “They also unleashed mayhem and intimidated locals, making them live in fear.”
According to Archibong, Chief Esu is the main suspect in the incident based on preliminary findings from the state’s investigative team.
“The primary suspect in the attacks is Chief Monday Esu, the Village Head of Ikot Umo Essien, according to preliminary investigations,” he stated.
As a result, until the investigation is finished, the traditional ruler has been instructed to provide the village council secretary all government property that he owns.
The Commissioner restated the Akwa Ibom State Government’s commitment to upholding security and tranquility in every community throughout the state.
He issued a warning that if a traditional ruler or community leader was discovered to be supporting illegal behavior, the government would not think twice about punishing them.
“The Ministry will maintain discipline and make sure that traditional institutions continue to be symbols of peace, unity, and progress,” Archibong declared.
