Chief Monday Esu, the village head of Ikot Umo Essien, has been suspended by Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno’s administration due to suspected acts of terrorism and violations of public order.
According to reports, Frank Archibong, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, made the announcement in a statement released in Uyo on Wednesday.
According to Archibong, the six-month suspension would allow for a thorough inquiry into the accusations made against the troubled village chief.
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.
According to Archibong, “the accusations against the village chief include 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.”
He clarified that the state government could not overlook actions that could jeopardize rural communities’ ability to maintain law and order.
According to the statement, thugs from Ikot Umo Essien village had recently broken into the Ikot Ekpenyong community market, where they allegedly destroyed, vandalized, and robbed recently constructed stores.
According to Archibong, “Mr. Nsikak Ekong, the immediate past member representing Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, facilitated the block of shops as a constituency project in February 2024.”
He further revealed that the thieves didn’t stop at the stores; instead, they proceeded to demolish a VIP restroom and a Fadama-sponsored borehole on the market grounds, taking valuables such aluminum roofing sheets, doors, windows, overhead tanks, generators, and water pumps.
“They also caused chaos and intimidated locals, causing them to live in fear,” the commissioner continued.
According to Archibong, the state’s investigative team’s preliminary findings purportedly named Chief Esu as the main suspect in the event.
“The Village Head of Ikot Umo Essien, Chief Monday Esu, has been identified as the principal suspect in the attacks based on preliminary investigations,” he stated.
As a result, while the investigation is ongoing, the traditional king has been ordered to turn over any government property he owns to the village council secretary.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Akwa Ibom State Government’s commitment to upholding security and tranquility in every community throughout the state.
He issued a warning, saying that any traditional ruler or community leader discovered to be encouraging criminal conduct will face immediate punishment from the government.
Archibong declared, “The Ministry will continue to uphold discipline and ensure that traditional institutions remain symbols of peace, unity, and development.”
