The government of Cross River state has revoked landed properties of individuals on the Water Board pipeline corridor in Calabar, saying it would demolish such properties after 30 days if affected property owners do not comply with necessary directives.
Some of those affected by the revocation and possible demolition include deputy governor Peter Odey, former humanitarian affairs minister, Beta Edu, Senator Eteng Williams and Linda Ayade, wife of the immediate past governor.
Others are Cecilia Alphonsus Ogar, wife of the PDP deputy governorship candidate, APC deputy national treasurer Ben Akak, the immediate past deputy governor Ivara Eau, education commissioner Stephen Odey, and the former Cross River state commissioner of police Hafiz Inuwa amongst others.
In a notice of revocation, dated June 16, 2026, signed by the Commissioner for lands, Chief Dr Francis Ekpenyong, and sited by Blueprint.ng in Calabar, Thursday, the government listed reasons for the revocation.
The reasons, it said, include: “Unauthorised development and construction activities on top of Water Board pipeline corridors and other utility rights-of-way, thereby obstructing critical public infrastructure and posing
significant risks to water supply operations, public safety, and
maintenance activities.
“Outstanding indebtedness to the State government arising from the
failure to pay the prescribed allocation fees, ground rents, and/or other statutory charges despite previous notices and opportunities provided for compliance.”
It informed the affected allottees that “All rights, interests, and privileges previously granted in respect of the affected plots are hereby withdrawn,” and directed them to: “Cease all development activities on the affected properties immediately;
“Remove any structures, materials, or encroachments situated within
the Water Board pipeline corridor as may be directed by the relevant
authorities;
“Surrender all allocation documents relating to the affected plots to
the appropriate government office within 30 days of receipt of this
notice.”
The government warned that “Failure to comply with this directive may result in further enforcement actions, including demolition of illegal structures, recovery of outstanding liabilities, and any other measures permitted under the applicable laws and regulations.’