Declare Your Assets Or Face Prosecution – Cross River Government Tell Aspirants

By Patrick Obia

The Government of Cross River State has told local government chairmanship and counsellorship aspirants in the state to declare their assets before contesting.

The warning was contained in a press release signed and made available by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Anthony Own Enoh, on Thursday, October 10th, 2024.

The Government said the directive is in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

The release noted that the assets declaration aims to promote transparency and accountability, prevent corruption and conflict of interest, as well as ensure public trust in elected officials.

It also warned that public officers who fail to declare their assets will face disqualification from contesting elections and prosecution in the event of false declaration.

Officers contesting the LG elections are also to resign at least 30 days before the election, in line with Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act (2022 as amended), the release added.

“In accordance with provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Cross River State Government hereby reminds all civil/Public officeholders contesting elections to declare their assets.

“The assets declaration aims to promote transparency and accountability, prevent corruption and conflict of interest, as well as ensure public trust in elected officials.

“Public Officers who fail to declare their assets will face disqualification from contesting elections and even prosecution in the event of false declaration.

“Consequent upon this, all Public Officers who resigned their appointments, with the intent of running for elective offices in the forthcoming Local government are advised to comply with relevant provisions of the Law, by ensuring the declaration of their assets, at the office of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Federal Secretariat Complex, Calabar, without fail.

“Officers contesting the election are also to resign at least 30 days before the election, in line with Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act (2022 as amended). The Government enjoins all concerned to ensure strict compliance.”