The Speaker of the Cross River state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has vowed that those responsible for of planning a recent gay party in Calabar will face the full wrath of the law.
Ayambem stressed that homosexuality continues to be a crime in Cross River and expressed grave concern over the involvement of teenagers in the event, which was held at a prestigious hotel in the state capital.
Ayambem's press secretary, Mr. Mathew Okache, said in a formal news release issued on Tuesday that Speaker had already made contact with the relevant security agencies and stakeholders.
The aim is to make sure that everyone who was involved in planning the party is found and held accountable, setting a precedent that will deter similar incidents in the future.
Ayambem's statement emphasized the urgency of the situation and the importance of the offense committed, and it added that the fact that minors attended the event added to the seriousness of the issue and raised questions about the safety and welfare of children in the state.
The public eagerly awaits additional details as the investigation continues, hoping that justice will be served and the law will be upheld.
The government's dedication to upholding cultural values and Cross River State's legal system is demonstrated by the Speaker's unwavering determination to tackle this issue head-on.
“It has come to the notice of the Hon. Speaker of the Cross River State House Of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, on the 30th of June 2023, a certain hotel in Ekorinim in Calabar Municipality, hosted a gay party in their premises, where under age teenagers were also in attendance.
“Already, the speaker has reached out to security agencies in the State and relevant government MDAs to ensure that organizers of that obscenity and their collaborators are brought to book as a deterrence." He said.
Additionally, Rt Hon Ayambem cautioned business owners in the hospitality industry in the State that no one under the age of 18 can be welcomed in a hotel or club unless they are accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
