Cross River Governor Halts Unauthorized Clan Creation

• Cross River Governor Senator Bassey Otu has suspended an ongoing Clan and Village Creation exercise due to unauthorized creation of new clans and villages.
• The process was not approved or sanctioned by the governor's office, leading to concerns about land ownership and acquisition in the region.
• The halt to the exercise may impact the validity of existing or planned land transactions in Cross River State.

The directive was conveyed in a statement by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, stating that the process was neither authorized nor approved by his administration.

Cross River State Governor Senator Bassey Otu has taken decisive action to halt an ongoing Clan and Village Creation exercise in the state. According to a statement by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the governor's directive was issued due to concerns that the process was not authorized or approved by his administration. The move is seen as a significant development in the governance of Cross River State, with implications for land ownership and acquisition in the region.

The Clan and Village Creation exercise has been underway in various parts of the state, with the aim of creating new clans and villages. However, sources close to the government have revealed that the process was not properly coordinated or sanctioned by the governor's office.

The creation of new clans and villages in Nigeria is governed by specific laws and regulations at both the federal and state levels. The Land Use Act of 1978, for instance, vests ownership of all land in the state in the governor, subject to certain exceptions. In Cross River State, the process of creating new clans and villages typically involves a series of approvals and notifications to relevant authorities. However, it appears that these procedures were not followed in this case, leading to the governor's decision to suspend the exercise.

The suspension of the Clan and Village Creation exercise has significant implications for land acquisition and ownership in Cross River State. Lawyers advising clients on land transactions in the region should take note of this development, as it may impact the validity of existing or planned deals.

The halt to the Clan and Village Creation exercise is a crucial step towards ensuring that governance processes are followed in Cross River State. By suspending the exercise, Governor Otu has demonstrated his commitment to upholding the rule of law and preventing unauthorized land division in the state. This move also highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in government decision-making.

The implications of this development extend beyond the immediate context of the Clan and Village Creation exercise. It serves as a reminder that land acquisition and ownership in Nigeria are subject to specific laws and regulations, which must be carefully navigated by all stakeholders.

Lawyers advising clients on land acquisition in Cross River State should note this development, as it may impact the validity of existing or planned transactions.

Source: Original reporting via Vanguard News