Retired Brigadier-General Enang Essien has advised the paramount ruler of Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State, Chief Nicholas Odum against stirring up religious tension and youth restiveness in the state.

He issued the advice in Calabar, dismissing the claims by the traditional ruler that he was the Leader’s Representative of a spiritual organisation, Brotherhood of the Cross and Star,in the state, which claim has already pitched many personalities and groups against each other in the state.

The Brigadier who is a bishop and director of security in the fold confirmed that Pastor Mike Ntuk is the official representative of the founder of the spiritual organisation in all matters in the state and not Chief Odum.

“Odum was personally removed by the founder of Brotherhood from the office of Leader’s Representative in 2000, and so far there have been three LRs. Pastor Mike Ntuk is the current and not Odum”, Brig Essien said.

Essien described Odum as one of the few renegades who are parading themselves as leaders of Brotherhood, but cannot enter the organisation’s headquarters which is recognised by the laws of Nigeria.

According to him the said Odum’s claim has heavy security implication not only in the Cross River but in other states and countries with Brotherhood presence.

He advised that the traditional ruler had better desist from parading himself as a member of the fold or as Leader’s Representative of Brotherhood otherwise he would be in for trouble.