By CrossRiverWatch Admin
The Member representing Ogoja Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Thomas Aruku has debunked claims that he broke into the office of his colleague representing Obanliku, Hon. Ashakia Pius and taking over his office.
Mr. Aruku told CrossRiverWatch that he met with the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayabem when the Court of Appeal sacked his opponent, Hon. Rita Ayim and sought for an office and he was given a choice of three offices.
Aruku said he was asked to choose between, “my opponent office, that of Obanliku and Yala who are going for elections again,” and he picked that of Obanliku who is currently facing a re-run in some polling units on February 3rd, 2024.
Mr. Aruku said the Speaker also spoke with Hon. Ashakia who consented.
We Would Have Suspended Him If True – Speaker Ayambem
When contacted, Rt. Hon. Ayambem said if the report was true, Mr. Aruku would have been suspended in line with the rules of the House.
He confirmed that the office was duly assigned to Mr. Aruku with Mr. Ashakia knowing about the action.
Also, Mr. Ayambem said Mr. Ashakia was in his residence when Mr. Aruku was moving into the office.
I Am Aware, We Have A Tradition – Ashakia
On his part, Mr. Ashakia also said he was fully aware of the actions and further explained what happened.
“My secretary is on leave. She is from Akpabuyo. It is when she could not be reached that they had to go change the lock,” Ashakia told CrossRiverWatch.
He said that the action was in line with the rules and traditions of the House.