The leadership of Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage has addressed recent allegations tied to an incident on Target Road, Calabar, on 1st January 2025, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to cultural preservation and peace. In a statement signed by its president, Prof. Emmanuel Eyo Esq., the group dismissed claims linking it to the alleged misconduct, describing them as spurious and inconsistent. Highlighting Tinkoriko’s 32-year legacy of promoting unity, discipline, and tradition, the leadership called on the public to disregard malicious narratives aimed at tarnishing its image and instead support its mission to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Cross River State.
Excerpts below:
The leadership of Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage has noted the allegations and discussions surrounding an incident that allegedly occurred on Target Road in Calabar on 1st January 2025. While we empathize with any individual who has experienced hardship, it is imperative to address the baseless accusations against our movement and clarify our position as an organization dedicated to cultural preservation, not violence or criminality.
Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage exists to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Cross River state. Our values are rooted in discipline, unity, and the celebration of tradition. It is unfortunate that isolated acts of indiscipline, which we have no control over, are being used to tarnish the image of an organization that has worked tirelessly to foster cultural pride.
Queensley Offiong-Etim Bassey’s spurious and malicious accusations are unsubstantiated and riddled with inconsistencies. For example, she fails to provide evidence that the individuals involved in the alleged incident are bona fide members of Tinkoriko. It is worth noting that the streets are public, and unauthorized persons often exploit our parades for ulterior motives.
It is troubling to see that individuals like Queensley, a bitter and malicious and a PDP woman Leader, have publicly faced criticism for substandard services in the past, are attempting to shift attention by fabricating stories. One must not forget the infamous incident on Easter Sunday, 2022, where a dead gecko was found in her afang soup. And incessant occasions were cockroaches and a flies were discovered inher Ekpang nkukwo and Fisherman soup from her “mama-put” establishment.
We encourage constructive dialogue rather than the spread of falsehood and abject bestiality, that harm our collective heritage.
We, therefore, appeal to members of the public to refrain from baseless accusations and instead partner with Tinkoriko (32 years: 1993-2025) is no mean feat.
As an organization, Tinkoriko is committed to upholding its legacy as a peaceful and socio-cultural movement.
Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage is a beacon of unity and cultural expression in Cross River State. We will not allow malicious narratives to distract us from our mission of preserving and celebrating our heritage. Let us all strive for truth, dialogue, and collective responsibility as we continue to showcase the beauty of our culture to the world.
Signed,
Prof. Emmanuel Eyo Esq.
President
Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage
Wednesday 1st January 2025
