By Mkpouto Edet
The embattled “village head” of Nungette in Ibesikpo Asutan Local
Government Area, Chief Archibong Etim Udo, has denied an allegation of
misappropriation and embezzlement of funds belonging to the village. He stated
this during the week while in a chat with our reporter.
Nungette village is currently embroiled in a legal tussle over alleged
misappropriation of over N7million for the compensation for a piece of land in
the community acquired by the state government. Chief Archibong denied the
allegation but is believed to have presented a cheque to the court in the tune
of N2,404,750 as the compensation money.
The village head who is currently under suspension was accused by one
Thomas Okon Akpan, a native of Nungette village who is said to be a former
lawmaker in the State House of Assembly of the former Cross River State.
Following the petition by the former lawmaker, the state had instituted
a court case against Chief Archibong Etim Udo and nine others in 2009 before the
High Court under Itu Judicial Division in Suit No. HU/210.
However, in his ruling the presiding Judge, Justice Godwin Abraham had
discharged and acquitted the accused persons for the failure on the part of the
prosecution to make a prima-facie case of conspiracy against the accused as
claimed by the state.
The case has been adjourned for defence in February. Speaking
with our reporter, the suspended village head said he used the money for the
construction of a community secondary school and one is yet to be completed in
Nungette village.
He further explained that, he has graded roads, opened new roads and
electrified the community, adding that his opponent was contending to take the
mantle from him out of envy.
Recently, at the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs, the commissioner
appointed Chief Aloysius Asuquo and Chief Christopher Sunday to oversee the
affairs of the community pending the resolution of the village headship tussle
said to have been moved to a higher Court for trail.
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