2027: Fear of Losing Influence, Gov Otu Stops Senator Ekpenyong’s Annual Cultural Show
This rivalry reached a boiling point on Friday, January 24, 2025, when the State Security Adviser (SSA), Major General O. U. Obono, issued a statement halting the event.
2027: Fear of Losing Influence, Gov Otu Stops Senator Ekpenyong’s Annual Cultural Show
In what appears to be a growing political rift ahead of the 2027 general elections, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has halted the annual Nkot Mbok cultural show, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong.
The government cited “security concerns” as the reason for its action, though many believe the move is fueled by political rivalry.
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The Nkot Mbok cultural event, which has run for over a decade, is a celebration of the Efik heritage featuring Ekpe masquerades, traditional dancers, youth groups, and community members. The event, traditionally seen as a unifying platform, was scheduled for Saturday, January 25, 2025. However, tensions between Governor Otu and Senator Ekpenyong—both of whom hail from Odukpani Local Government Area—appear to have derailed this year’s festivities.
A Growing Rift
Sources suggest the animosity between the two political figures dates back to the 2023 general elections. Both vied for the governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC), but after intense negotiations, Otu emerged as the party’s flag bearer while Ekpenyong was offered the Senate ticket for the Southern Senatorial District as a consolation. Since then, a discreet but evident cold war has brewed between their camps.
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This rivalry reached a boiling point on Friday, January 24, 2025, when the State Security Adviser (SSA), Major General O. U. Obono, issued a statement halting the event.
The statement, titled “Public Service Announcement,” claimed that some elements intended to use the event to “perpetrate mayhem,” citing non-compliance with the Masquerades (Control) Law of Cross River State.
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The terse announcement warned:
“Leaders/organisers of such group(s) are warned to suspend the planned activity forthwith; otherwise, they shall be made to face the full wrath of the law. Defaulters will be prosecuted.”
Ekpenyong Calls for Dialogue
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In response, Senator Ekpenyong, through his Senior Legislative Aide, Ted Inyang, expressed disappointment but urged dialogue between the event organisers and the government. He emphasized the cultural show’s history of compliance with security protocols and its role in fostering unity among the Efik people.
“Senator Ekpenyong has informed the organisers to engage with the State Security Adviser to resolve the issues raised. The general public is invited to take note,” the statement read.
Organisers of Nkot Mbok stated they had notified all relevant security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), Police, and Civil Defence, well ahead of the event. They described the government’s actions as politically motivated, asserting, “No previous administration or security agency has ever stopped us.”
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Public Outrage and Political Implications
The decision to halt the event has sparked widespread criticism among constituents, who see it as a politically charged act. Effiong Okokon Effiong, a resident of Calabar South, remarked, “Stopping Nkot Mbok shows that Governor Otu is openly fighting Senator Ekpenyong. This is not good for the unity of the Efik nation.”
Another resident, Bassey Eyo Bassey from Bakassi, questioned the rationale: “How does a cultural show constitute a security threat? This government seems to view anyone with influence as an enemy.”
The Obong of Calabar has reportedly called for calm, urging both leaders to avoid actions that could deepen divisions within the Efik kingdom. Political analysts warn that the ongoing rivalry, if not addressed, could destabilize the region ahead of the 2027 elections.
Government Defends Its Stance
Amidst the backlash, the Governor’s SSA on Digital Media, Ekanem Essien, denied any political motives behind the decision. In a social media post, Essien claimed the organisers failed to secure proper security clearance, stating, “The decision to halt the event was purely administrative and based on security concerns.”
For now, the Nkot Mbok event venue at Government Secondary School Playfield, Atu, remains under heavy security.
The once-decorated podium has been dismantled, leaving organisers and attendees disheartened.
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