Governor Bassey Otu has approved the suspension of Chief Okon Archibong, the Village Head of Esuk Utan, alongside his council members, over allegations of abuse of power.

The suspension, announced in a statement on Monday by Mr. Nsa Gil, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, follows multiple petitions accusing the traditional ruler and his council of misusing their authority, which has reportedly caused growing discontent within the community.

READ ALSO: Abuja: Mother Arrested After Abandoning Newborn In Bush Path

“The government remains committed to upholding accountability and addressing grievances raised by citizens to ensure harmony and justice in traditional leadership,” the statement read.

To address the allegations, Governor Otu directed the Calabar Municipal Traditional Rulers Council to investigate the matter and submit a report with recommendations to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs within one week.

In the interim, the Obutong Clan Council has been instructed to set up a five-member committee to manage the affairs of Esuk Utan.

This committee will oversee administrative duties until the investigation is concluded.

“The Obutong Clan Council is mandated to set up a five-man committee to manage the affairs of Esuk Utan Village pending the outcome of the investigation,” the statement added.

Governor Otu has called on residents and business operators in Esuk Utan to continue their normal activities without interference.

He also emphasized that all dealings with the suspended village head and his council should cease immediately.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice and resolving conflicts in traditional leadership structures for the benefit of the community.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Olamide Thomas, accused of issuing death threats against Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, via social media.

Justice Emeka Nwite, ruling on the bail application on Monday, admitted Thomas to bail in the sum of ₦10 million with one surety in like sum.

READ MORE: 170 Nigerians Repatriated From Libya With IOM Support

The judge stated that there was no substantial evidence presented by the prosecution to suggest the defendant would evade trial if granted bail.

“I have carefully examined the affidavit evidence of both the defendant and the complainant. Where the accused person will not jump bail or interfere with the trial, it is in the interest of justice for the court to grant the bail request,” Justice Nwite said.

As part of the bail conditions, the court required the surety to provide a three-year tax clearance certificate, reside within the court’s jurisdiction, and depose to an affidavit of means.

Additionally, both the defendant and the surety must submit two recent passport photographs to the court registrar, with the surety’s address subject to verification.

The judge adjourned the case for trial on February 18, 2025.

The ruling came after Justice Nwite had reserved judgment on December 31 following submissions by T.J. Aondo, counsel for the defendant, and Victor Okoye, representing the prosecution.

Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau is expected to resign this week as internal dissatisfaction within his Liberal Party reaches a breaking point, according to a report by The Globe and Mail on Sunday.

Citing three anonymous sources with knowledge of party deliberations, the report stated that Trudeau’s resignation could be announced as early as Monday.

The timing would allow for his departure to be addressed at a national Liberal Party caucus meeting scheduled for Wednesday.

READ MORE: Tinubu Attends Mahama’s Inauguration

“The announcement would likely come before a national Liberal Party caucus on Wednesday,” The Globe and Mail reported, quoting party insiders.

It remains uncertain whether Trudeau would continue in an interim role while the Liberals search for new leadership.

Trudeau’s leadership has faced mounting criticism in recent months. His government barely survived a series of no-confidence votes, and his approval ratings have plummeted as he trails Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre by 20 points in opinion polls.

While Trudeau has vowed to lead the Liberals into the next federal election, slated for October 2025, his position has grown increasingly untenable.

The strain has been compounded by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on Canadian goods, a move that threatens to escalate into a full-blown trade war.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned in December after reportedly clashing with Trudeau over how to handle Trump’s tariff plans, marking the first significant cabinet fracture.

Later that month, Trudeau reshuffled one-third of his cabinet in an attempt to regain control, but internal unrest persisted.

In November, Trudeau traveled to Florida to meet with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate, seeking to defuse trade tensions.

However, the meeting did little to alleviate the strain. Trump continued to target Trudeau publicly, mocking him on social media as the “governor” of Canada and suggesting that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state, calling it a “great idea.”

Trudeau rose to prominence in 2015, sweeping the Liberals to power with a charismatic image and progressive platform.

Over his three terms, he championed Senate reforms, legalized cannabis, introduced a carbon tax, and passed legislation permitting medically assisted suicide.

However, critics argue that Trudeau’s once-strong leadership has been overshadowed by his inability to navigate recent crises, including trade disputes and political dissent.

If Trudeau steps down, it would mark a dramatic shift in Canadian politics and leave the Liberals facing a critical leadership race in the run-up to the 2025 election.