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.
Inaugurating the panel on Tuesday at the Deputy Governor’s Conference Room, Government House, Calabar, the governor, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, expressed deep concern over the reported disruption and stressed the importance of uncovering the truth behind the incident.
Odey emphasized that the state government would not tolerate any acts of violence or misconduct that could undermine public events and disrupt development efforts in the South-South region and Cross River State in particular.
“This commission has been mandated to thoroughly investigate the immediate and remote causes of the disruption that occurred during the commissioning of some projects by the NDDC, determine whether the projects commissioned by the NDDC were in fact 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 five-member panel is also expected to summon key stakeholders, including NDDC officials, security agencies, event organizers, and eyewitnesses, to provide detailed accounts of what transpired.
Speaking further, Odey assured the public that the inquiry will be conducted without bias and that its findings will be made public within weeks. He urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation is ongoing, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and order in Cross River State.
Speaking on behalf of the commission, the Chairman, Honourable Justice Emilia Ibok thanked the governor for the trust reposed in them and promised that they would do their best to deliver.
The event was attended by the Secretary to the Government of State, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Permanent Secretary (Executive Council), Barr. Orok Bassey Okon, and other government appointees.
Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Government House, Calabar
17/06/2025
