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The Cross River State Government has revoked the land holdings of individuals on the Water Board pipeline corridor in Calabar, saying it will demolish such properties after 30 days if the affected owners fail to comply with the necessary directives.
Those affected by the revocation and possible demolition include Deputy Governor Peter Odey, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Beta Edu, Senator Eteng Williams and Linda Ayade, wife of the immediate past governor.
Others are Cecilia Alphonsus Ogar, wife of PDP deputy governorship candidate, APC Deputy National Treasurer Ben Akak, immediate past Deputy Governor Ivara Eau, Education Commissioner Stephen Odey and former Cross River State Police Commissioner Hafiz Inuwa, among others.
In a revocation notice, dated June 16, 2026, signed by the Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Francis Ekpenyong, and placed by Blueprint.ng in Calabar, Thursday, the government listed the reasons for the revocation.
The reasons, he said, include: “Unauthorized development and construction activity on Water Board pipeline corridors and other utility rights-of-way, thereby impeding critical public infrastructure and placing
significant risks to water supply operations, public safety and
maintenance activities.
“Exceptional debt to the State Government resulting from the
failure to pay the required assignment fees, rental fees and/or other charges required by law despite prior notices and opportunities provided for compliance.”
It informed the affected grantees that “all rights, interests and privileges previously granted in respect of the affected lots are hereby withdrawn” and directed them to: “immediately cease all development activities on the affected properties;
“Remove any structures, materials or encroachments located within
the Water Board pipeline corridor as directed by the competent person
authority;
“Deliver to. all the assignment documents relating to the lots involved
to the relevant government office within 30 days of receipt thereof
I notify.”
The government warned that “failure to comply with this directive could result in further enforcement action, including demolition of illegal structures, recovery of outstanding liabilities and any other measures permitted by applicable laws and regulations.”
