The Special Adviser to Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, on General Duties, Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, has questioned the governorship credentials of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, arguing that leadership of the state requires substantial political experience and a clear understanding of governance.
Akiba made the remarks in an interview while defending Governor Otu’s administration and challenging Jarvis’s capacity to lead the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
He described the PDP candidate as a content creator whose political engagement, in his view, had yet to demonstrate the experience required to govern a state. He also expressed confidence that Otu’s record in office would strengthen his position in the forthcoming election.
The governor’s aide argued that previous occupants of the Government House had acquired relevant experience in public service, politics or professional practice before assuming office.
Citing former governors Donald Duke, Liyel Imoke and Ben Ayade, Akiba noted that they had served in positions including commissioner, presidential adviser, senator and minister before becoming governor.
He also highlighted Otu’s legislative background, recalling his service in the House of Representatives and the Senate, where he chaired committees on Finance and Banking and other Financial Institutions.
According to Akiba, Otu’s previous experience in the National Assembly, combined with his background in banking and the petroleum industry, provided a foundation for his current administration.
He credited the governor with supporting constituents through empowerment initiatives and opportunities that, he said, enabled beneficiaries to acquire vehicles, establish businesses, secure property and obtain employment.
Akiba maintained that governing a state requires more than public commentary and social media activity. He argued that an aspirant must present a clear vision, a comprehensive manifesto and workable policies that address the needs of the people.
Responding to criticism of the current administration, Akiba rejected the description of Otu’s government as a failure, arguing that it had made efforts to restore security, revive infrastructure and sustain projects initiated by previous administrations.
He specifically cited security interventions in Akpabuyo and Bakassi, claiming that improvements in the areas had helped create a safer environment for residents and businesses.
The governor’s aide also listed the Obudu Cattle Ranch, Marina Resort, Calabar International Conference Centre, Bakassi Deep Seaport and Obudu Cargo Airport among the projects receiving attention under the current administration.
He said the government had continued work on inherited projects regardless of which previous administration initiated them, presenting the approach as evidence of continuity in governance.
Akiba further referenced road construction and the rehabilitation or upgrading of public facilities, including the Cultural Centre, the Chronicle Complex of the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, the State Library, the Governor’s Office and the Local Government Service Commission building.
He also pointed to improvements in primary and secondary healthcare infrastructure, the recovery of Tinapa Resort from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), and the state government’s efforts to recover oil wells.
On education, Akiba highlighted the administration’s free tuition policy for pupils in public primary and secondary schools, alongside the payment of West African Senior School Certificate Examination fees for eligible students.
He argued that these measures were intended to reduce the financial pressure on families and expand access to education.
Akiba also challenged Jarvis to explain what he would offer differently if elected governor, questioning his criticism of the administration’s infrastructure and social intervention programmes.
He maintained that the government’s initiatives should be assessed against its stated objectives and the projects being implemented across the state.
The special adviser further dismissed suggestions that social media criticism would significantly undermine support for Otu, asserting that the governor had built a strong base of public goodwill through his policies and programmes.
Akiba expressed confidence in Otu’s prospects for a second term, describing the governor’s re-election as a priority for his supporters.
He also accused Jarvis of opposing the return of the governorship to Cross River South Senatorial District during the 2023 election cycle, when, according to Akiba, the district expected the state’s informal power-rotation arrangement to be respected.
He questioned the PDP candidate’s political standing in the southern district, arguing that his position during the previous election could affect how some constituents perceive his current ambition.
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