Calabar — Cross River state government has warned that it would arrest any kingmakers or any other persons that attempt to forcibly open the palace of the Muri Munene of the Efut in Calabar South Local Government Council which it sealed about three months ago following tussle between two factions.

State Security Adviser, Rekpene Bassey issued the warning in Calabar yesterday maintaining that the state government has issued specific instructions to the security agencies to deal decisively with any persons that violate its directives with regard to the palace.

In his statement, Bassey said that certain persons including kingmakers supporting opposing factions were making attempt to break into the palace. He warned that the case was still pending in the court, and that it was not proper for anybody to jump the gun by forcing the palace open for any groups.

"The state government has now given specific instructions to the security agencies in the state to deal decisively and arrest anybody including any kingmakers that flout government's order that nobody should enter the palace until the court has ruled."

He further said, "We want to reiterate for the umpteenth time that the state government is not supporting any of the groups."