Nigeria, June 24 -- Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State fired the chairman of the state Traditional Rulers Council and then reversed it in less than a week, triggering widespread criticism and questions about decision-making within the administration.

Two separate letters signed by Francis Edet, the governor's special adviser on chieftaincy affairs, surfaced on Facebook a few days ago showing contradictory directives regarding the leadership of the council.

The first letter, dated 18 June and addressed to the chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council, announced the appointment of Felix Ukudare, the paramount ruler of Obudu Traditional Rulers Council, as the new chairman of the body.

Captioned "Appointment of a n...