Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has inaugurated a five-member Commission of Inquiry to investigate the disruption of a Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) event in Calabar, which occurred on June 13, 2025.
The panel was inaugurated on Tuesday at the Deputy Governor’s Conference Room, Government House, Calabar. Representing the Governor, Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey expressed deep concern over the reported incident and underscored the administration’s commitment to uncovering the truth behind the disruption.
Odey emphasized that the state government would not condone any acts of violence or misconduct capable of undermining public events or derailing development initiatives in the South-South region, particularly in Cross River State.
“This commission has been mandated to thoroughly investigate the immediate and remote causes of the disruption that occurred during the commissioning of certain projects by the NDDC; determine whether those projects were indeed awarded and executed by the NDDC, and not by the Government of Cross River State; identify those responsible; and recommend appropriate measures to prevent future occurrences,” Odey stated.
The commission is expected to summon key stakeholders, including NDDC officials, security agencies, event organizers, and eyewitnesses, to provide detailed accounts of the incident.
Assuring the public of the integrity of the process, Odey stated that the inquiry would be conducted impartially, and its findings will be made public within a few weeks. He urged residents to remain calm, cooperative, and law-abiding during the course of the investigation, reaffirming the administration’s dedication to peace and accountability.
Speaking on behalf of the commission, Honourable Justice Emilia Ibok, who chairs the panel, thanked the Governor for the confidence reposed in them and pledged that the panel would carry out its assignment with diligence and transparency.
The inauguration was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh; the Permanent Secretary (Executive Council), Barr. Orok Bassey Okon; and other senior government officials.
