Unauthorized development and construction activities on top of Water Board pipeline corridors and other utility rights-of-way
By Our Reporter
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Published on July 8, 2026
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3 min read
The uproar over viral reports on the Water Board land may be far from over as the government of Cross River has formally listed for revocation properties of individuals on the Water Board pipeline corridor, saying it would demolish such properties after 30 days if the affected owners do not comply with necessary directives.
In a notice of revocation, dated 16th June, 2026, signed by the Commissioner for lands, Chief Dr Francis Ekpenyong and sited, Thursday, the government listed reasons for its action.
The reasons, it said, include: “Unauthorized 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 allotees that “All rights, interests, and privileges previously granted in respect of the affected plots are hereby withdrawn,” and directed them to: “Cease all development activities on the affected properties immediately;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.”
Investigations indicated that some of those affected by the possible revocation and 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 Esu, Education Commissioner Stephen Odey, and the former Cross River state Commissioner of Police Hafiz Inuwa.
Former SSG Tina Agbor, House of Representatives member Joseph Bassey, former House of Assembly Speaker John Gaul Lebo, former APC State Chairman, Ntufam Edim Inok, former Reps member Jude Ngaji, amongst others are also affected. Surprisingly, a structure belonging to Humanity Without Border, a pet project of Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, wife of the Governor, is not left out.
Recall that the media space was awash with a viral report of a planned demolition of Barr Alphonsus Eba’s property. Some persons had accused Gov Otu of a witch-hunt, a development which the government described as fake news.
Speaking, Barr Ekpenyong Akiba, Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, said that the plan for revocation and demolition cuts across political divides.
“The action is for overriding public interest to restore water supply in the state,” he stated.
