The lingering crisis in Iko Esai community, Akamkpa Local Government Area, Cross River State, has sparked a fierce exchange between the Executive Chairman of Akamkpa, Hon. Felix Akposi KSJI, and Comr. Patrick Aidam, the former Personal Assistant to the Deputy Leader of the Akamkpa Legislative Council. While Aidam claims his resignation was necessitated by threats to his life and the failure of the local government chairman to protect lives and property, Akposi has dismissed the allegations, describing them as a desperate attempt to mislead the public.
During a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Cross River State Chapter, alongside his solicitor, Chief Barr. Ogbisi Ogbisi yesterday, the 27th day of February 2025, Aidam announced his decision to step down from his position, stating that the situation in his local government had become unbearable.
In his resignation letter, Aidam expressed disappointment over the handling of security in Akamkpa, particularly in Iko Esai, where he alleged that his community had been subjected to targeted attacks.
He accused the chairman of aligning with perpetrators of violence, allowing continued attacks on his people, and plotting to remove the Clan Head of Iko Esai, Chief Obio Arong Owai.
"Iko Esai community is in ruins, a shadow of its former self, courtesy of the divisive politics of the chairman, Mr Felix Akposi. My community has been destroyed—people killed, houses burnt, vehicles and motorcycles not spared, cocoa farms razed, and several other atrocities committed since 9th February 2025, yet nothing is being done. The chairman continues to dine and wine with the perpetrators of these heinous crimes," Aidam alleged.
He further claimed that despite multiple reports and calls for intervention, security agencies had remained inactive while those responsible for the crisis moved about freely.
He decried the arrest and detention of the Clan Head of Iko Esai, whose sister and niece were reportedly killed, while the actual perpetrators of the violence allegedly roamed freely.
"I am not safe, my life is in danger!" he declared, asserting that his decision to step down was to protect himself and draw attention to the plight of his people.
Reacting to the resignation and allegations, the Akamkpa chairman, while addressing journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Calabar today the 28th day of February, 2025, described Aidam's claims as "calculated falsehoods" aimed at misleading the public.
The chairman revealed that the crisis in Iko Esai began on 9th February 2025, when he received an anonymous call warning of an impending security breakdown. By the following day, violence had erupted, leading to the killing of a young man, Christian Abakum Ijenga, and the destruction of properties, including homes, shops, and farmlands.
Upon receiving the report, he said he immediately deployed security personnel to the area, facilitated medical attention for the injured, and ensured that key factional leaders—including Chief Owai Obio Arong and Chief Elijah Okom Esira—were arrested and handed over to the police for an impartial investigation.
He, however, accused Patrick Aidam of being a key actor in the crisis, alleging that the former aide had attempted to use political influence to target specific individuals from a rival faction rather than seek genuine reconciliation.
"Aidam initially called me to request assurances for his safety, which I provided. However, he later attempted to politicise the conflict by demanding that I take action against individuals from the opposing faction, despite the fact that their leaders were already in police custody," Chairman said.
He further alleged that investigations had revealed Aidam’s involvement in retaliatory attacks, including the burning of cocoa farms, which further escalated the crisis.
"It is both appalling and regrettable that Patrick Aidam, in a desperate bid to conceal his ignoble role in this crisis, has resorted to spreading misinformation.
His resignation letter is nothing more than a poorly crafted political stunt designed to malign my administration," he added.
The chairman dismissed allegations that he was involved in attempts to dethrone the Clan Head of Iko Esai, insisting that chieftaincy matters were guided by due process and did not fall under his direct jurisdiction.
He described Aidam’s claims as "intellectual dishonesty" and an attempt to manipulate public sentiment.
He also lamented the deep-seated divisions within Iko Esai, stating that the community’s inability to resolve internal disputes had exacerbated tensions.
"The Iko Esai people have demonstrated mistrust, vindictiveness against one another, inconsistencies in their testimonies, incoherency, and blatant lies, all fuelled by personal interests. These issues predate my administration," he noted.
In an effort to find a lasting solution, he revealed that he had recommended that the Cross River State House of Assembly (CRSHA) set up a panel of inquiry to investigate the crisis and propose developmental solutions. The assembly had since adopted the recommendation, with a hearing scheduled for next Thursday.
Chairman urged all factions to present their grievances before the legislative committee rather than resort to misinformation and public theatrics.
He reassured the people of Iko Esai that security agencies remained on high alert to prevent further violence.
He also called on all stakeholders to embrace peace, truth, and reconciliation instead of escalating tensions.
"The time for factionalism, political grandstanding, and ego-driven vendettas is over. If Patrick Aidam truly believes his life is in danger, the proper course of action is to report to security agencies, not engage in public theatrics," he stressed.
The chairman concluded by reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the security, development, and unity of Akamkpa Local Government, vowing not to be distracted by baseless accusations.
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