Elvert Ayambem, the Cross River House of Assembly speaker, has called for the arrest and prosecution of organisers of a gay party in Calabar.

Mr Ayambem made the call in a statement by his chief press secretary, Matthew Okache, on Tuesday in Calabar.

On June 30, a hotel in the Ekorinim area of Calabar played host to a gay drag party condemned by many stakeholders in the state.

The speaker, who called on the relevant agencies to bring the organisers and collaborators to book as a deterrent, noted that minors were also present at the party.

He warned anyone or organisation in connection with such an unlawful act to desist or risk prosecution from the authorities.

Mr Ayambem recalled that former President Goodluck Jonathan, in 2014, signed a bill that criminalises same-sex relationships, with a penalty of 14 years in prison.

In addition, the speaker called on hospitality operators in the state to ensure that no hotel or club entertains persons below 18 unless a parent or guardian accompanies them.

(NAN)