The Cross River State Government has denied allegations that it pays between N10 million and N15 million monthly to cult groups, describing the claims as false, baseless and intended to mislead the public.
The state Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, dismissed the allegation while reacting to reports circulating on social media that the government allegedly funds cult groups in exchange for maintaining peace in the state.
Speaking on Thursday, Ekpang said the claims were not supported by any evidence and should not be taken seriously.
“I decline such baseless claims. They are not verifiable and are only spreading false narratives to people who care to listen,” he said.
The commissioner said the administration remained focused on governance and the delivery of democratic dividends rather than responding to what he described as unfounded allegations.
He also condemned the increasing use of abusive language in political discourse, stressing that criticism of government should be constructive, fact-based and devoid of insults, defamation and personal attacks.
According to him, while citizens have the constitutional right to criticise government policies and programmes, such criticism should be directed at issues and supported with verifiable facts.
Ekpang warned against making reckless statements capable of tarnishing the image of individuals, communities and public office holders, noting that many people had faced legal consequences for defamatory comments.
He added that the state government would not be distracted by unsubstantiated allegations but would remain committed to implementing policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of residents.
The commissioner further urged politicians and members of the public to exercise restraint in their public comments, saying political differences should not degenerate into personal attacks or actions capable of undermining peaceful coexistence.