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Etung Leaders Quell Legislative Crisis, Restore Unity in Council

 


By Our Correspondent 

Calm has returned to Etung Local Government Area following a swift and strategic intervention by political stakeholders aimed at resolving a brewing crisis within the Etung Legislative Council. The tension stemmed from an attempted impeachment of the Council Leader, Hon. Ekubnse ThankGod, by some councillors.

In a closed-door reconciliation meeting convened at the residence of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Etung’s political heavyweights—past and present—gathered to douse the flames and foster unity within the council. Among those in attendance were the council chairman, councillors, political appointees, former local government chairmen, and other influential figures from the area.

Speaking after the meeting, Prof. Owan-Enoh described the outcome as “constructive and unifying,” stating that the deliberations allowed both the embattled Council Leader and the councillors to openly address their grievances in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

“At the end of our discussions, we agreed that the Council Leader should offer an apology to his colleagues and improve internal collaboration going forward,” the SSG explained. “Likewise, the councillors acknowledged their missteps, particularly the lack of wider consultation, and pledged to support the Council Leader in a spirit of unity and shared responsibility.”

He emphasized that the purpose of the meeting was not to encroach upon the independence of the legislative council, but to ensure that leadership challenges do not disrupt governance at the grassroots.

“We are not here to dictate outcomes. Our role as elders and leaders is to guide and encourage harmony. The best results in governance come when differences are managed maturely,” he said, urging the council chairman to build stronger engagement with councillors for more effective service delivery.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Etung LGA, Hon. Henry Anom, described the situation as a minor misunderstanding blown out of proportion.

“These kinds of political disagreements are normal, especially in young legislative arms. What matters is the maturity with which they are resolved, and I’m confident this episode will strengthen intergovernmental collaboration,” he stated.

Adding his voice, the Member representing Etung in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Kingsley Isong, praised the decision to prioritize dialogue over confrontation, calling the peaceful resolution “a mark of responsible leadership.”

Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, Barr. Gilbert Agbor, also commended the SSG and other stakeholders for their prompt and proactive involvement. He urged the councillors to view their offices as stepping stones to greater responsibilities and to uphold conduct that earns them trust and credibility.

In his remarks, Hon. Ekubnse ThankGod expressed deep appreciation for the timely intervention, describing the experience as a moment of personal growth.

“This experience has taught me the value of humility and teamwork. I’m ready to lead with more openness, and I’m grateful for the support and counsel of our leaders,” he said.

With tempers cooled and relationships mended, the Etung Legislative Council now appears poised to refocus on its core responsibilities—delivering quality representation and supporting the local government’s development agenda.

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