The call followed a Matter of Urgent Public Importance on the deplorable state of erosion control within the Assembly complex.
By Staff Reporter
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Published on September 30, 2026
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3 min read
The Cross River State House of Assembly has raised alarm over an impending flood and erosion disaster threatening the Assembly Residential Quarters at Ekorinim and the Assembly Office Complex, calling for urgent intervention by the State Government.
The call followed a Matter of Urgent Public Importance on the deplorable state of erosion control within the Assembly complex, sponsored by Hon. Linus Bassey, Member representing Akamkpa II State Constituency.
Presenting the motion on the floor of the House, Hon. Bassey lamented that the Assembly Quarters, built in 1977, is now in a deplorable condition with collapsed erosion control infrastructure endangering the lives of Honourable Members, their families and staff.
He said with heavy downpour now a daily occurrence in Calabar, members and staff live in palpable fear. He disclosed that the perimeter fence that previously prevented flood from entering the quarters has been pulled down by flood, while a duplex behind the quarters and a nearby hospital structure were recently collapsed by flood.
He also drew attention to a growing ravine around the residential quarters which poses grave danger to buildings, and a gutter at the main entrance of the office complex that continues to deepen, with a deep gully underneath the road that could collapse at any moment if not urgently addressed.
The Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo and other Honourable Members unanimously supported the motion, expressing deep concern that the matter directly affects their welfare and safety.
In his remarks, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, described the motion as timely, stressing that the welfare and safety of legislators and all Cross Riverians must be prioritized.
After plenary, the lawmakers embarked on an oversight visit to the landslide site at Anansa Road and the erosion site at the Assembly Quarters, Ekorinim, Calabar.
At Anansa Road, Rt. Hon. Asuquo noted that although the landslide occurred while the House was on recess, it is of great importance to the Assembly and must be addressed without delay to avoid loss of lives and property.
At the Assembly Quarters, the Leader said, “What started as a very small narrow path has developed into a gully erosion site which keeps expanding. If nothing is urgently done, it will develop into something more devastating.”
The Commissioner for Works, Mr. Pius Edet, who joined the oversight team, lamented the deplorable state of the quarters, noting that erosion and landslides have become recurrent in Calabar due to heavy downpours.
He disclosed that 75 erosion sites have already been reported within the Calabar metropolis due to constant rainfall and assured that government will take swift measures to redress the situation, calling on relevant agencies to intervene as the damage is massive.
