TheLumineNews Admin
The Special Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on General Duties, Ekpenyong Akiba Esq., has dismissed claims that the ongoing clearance notices issued to occupants of buildings within the Waterboard Estate in Calabar are politically motivated, describing the exercise as a necessary step toward rehabilitating the state’s water infrastructure.
The clearance notices have generated widespread debate, with some opposition figures alleging that the exercise is targeted at political opponents ahead of the 2027 elections. However, Akiba said the action is based solely on engineering and legal considerations aimed at restoring the Cross River State Waterboard Limited.
According to him, the state government is working to secure funding for the rehabilitation of the Waterboard, a project that has reportedly faced delays due to the need for unrestricted access to key infrastructure. He explained that the rehabilitation requires excavation along major underground water mains that serve the state’s water distribution network.
Akiba disclosed that technical assessments identified 39 structures, including private residences, former staff quarters, and buildings occupied by retirees, as having been constructed directly above critical underground water pipelines. He said these structures now constitute major obstacles to the planned rehabilitation works.
“Where water mains are located beneath buildings, government has both the legal responsibility and the obligation to clear the right-of-way to enable the restoration of potable water supply,” he said.
The clearance exercise drew increased public attention after a notice was reportedly served on Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, a former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State and the reported deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 election.
Responding to allegations of selective enforcement, Akiba said the affected properties belong to individuals across different political affiliations and public service backgrounds.
According to him, the list includes serving commissioners, special advisers in the current administration, former permanent secretaries, and retired civil servants, indicating that the exercise is not directed at any particular political group.
He maintained that the clearance is being implemented strictly on the basis of the location of underground water infrastructure rather than the political status of property owners.
Akiba further stated that all affected occupants have been served the required legal notices in line with due process and that government is engaging stakeholders while considering appropriate relocation arrangements where necessary.
He reaffirmed that the objective of the exercise is to facilitate the rehabilitation of the Waterboard and improve access to potable water for residents of Calabar and surrounding communities.