By Abasi Ita, Calabar
The tense political atmosphere in Cross River State, ignited by the acrimonious posture of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, escalated Wednesday, January 25, 2023, when the Chairman of Calabar Municipal Council, Ndabo Efeffiong Nta, locked out the Traditional Ruler and his cabinet against a scheduled interactive session with members of opposition People Democratic Party PDP, currently on a statewide campaign tour.
The royal fathers,, led by the Ndidem of The Quas and Grand Patriarch of the Ejagham Nation, Ndidem Eta Eteta were expected to meet with the Cross River PDP Governorship Campaign Team at the Council of Chief Chambers located within the Council premises
When Summit Post visited the Chamber, a detachment of the Nigerian Army attached to Operation Akpakwu were spotted around the building acting on instructions of the Council Chairman.
The royal fathers, often revered as the custodian of customs and tradition were seen stranded under the harsh sunny weather exploring the next line of action
A council staff who preferred anonymity revealed that the Council Boss personally locked the Chamber and left with the keys earlier in the day insisting that the Royal Fathers can not play host to an opposition party within his domain 
Reacting, the Paramount Ruler of Calabar Municipality, Ndidem Eta Eteta described the action of the Chairman as an “affront and unmitigated embarrassment”
According to him” this chamber is the official venue for all our routine engagements. We came here today following the request of the PDP for a meeting members of the traditional institution in Calabar Municipal only to discover that our Chamber has been locked to deny us access. This is why we are outside here.I have never been subjected to this sort of embarrassment
Attempts by Summit Post to get the Chairman to comment on the issue were abortive as his phone lines were switched off.