The Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSCF) has criticized former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, over his recent attacks on Governor Bassey Otu, describing his comments as politically motivated and lacking credibility.
In a statement released in Calabar on Wednesday, the Forum noted that Eba's current criticisms sharply contradict the glowing commendations he repeatedly gave Governor Otu while serving as APC chairman.
Signed by the Forum's Chairman, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, and Secretary, Dr. Julius Ochim Okputu, the statement alleged that Eba's change in position stemmed from personal political disappointments rather than genuine concerns about governance.
The Forum recalled several occasions between 2023 and 2025 when Eba openly praised Governor Otu's leadership. According to the group, he consistently portrayed Otu as a capable leader and a symbol of renewed hope for Cross River State.
Among the examples cited was a campaign event in Ogoja in January 2023, where Eba reportedly described Otu as the most qualified governorship candidate. He also assured citizens in April 2023 that the shortcomings of the previous administration would not be repeated under Otu's leadership.
The Forum further pointed out that in March 2024, Eba defended the administration against allegations of political persecution, particularly regarding efforts to recover state assets. In November 2025, he reportedly credited Governor Otu's leadership for strengthening the APC and attracting new members across the state.
According to the CRSCF, Eba's relationship with the party deteriorated after a majority of members of the APC State Executive Committee passed a vote of no confidence in him in December 2025. The Forum stated that allegations of financial misconduct, failure to meet party obligations, and poor leadership led to his removal. Following unsuccessful attempts to challenge the decision, Eba eventually resigned from the APC and later joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he emerged as a deputy governorship candidate.
The Forum observed that since joining the opposition, Eba has become one of the administration's strongest critics, recently questioning the state's efforts to reclaim disputed oil wells and calling for investigations into the process.
Rejecting those allegations, the Forum described them as attempts to discredit the government and gain political advantage. It also dismissed interpretations of a recent quality-of-life assessment by SBM Intelligence, arguing that the report contained methodological weaknesses and could not accurately reflect the administration's performance.
While acknowledging challenges such as flooding in some communities and delays in certain projects, the Forum maintained that the achievements of the Otu administration outweigh its shortcomings.
Among the accomplishments highlighted were the rehabilitation of more than 426 kilometres of roads, improvements in public education infrastructure, sponsorship of WAEC and NECO examination fees for indigenous students, and enhancements in maternal healthcare services.
The group also pointed to agricultural initiatives, including the distribution of mini-tractors and the introduction of the state's first officially licensed soil fertility map aimed at improving productivity. Other achievements listed include the recovery of strategic assets such as Tinapa from AMCON, prompt payment of workers' salaries and pensions, and the resumption of gratuity payments after years of suspension.
The Forum urged Cross River residents to evaluate political leaders based on their consistency, integrity, and track record rather than changing political narratives.
It concluded by expressing confidence that voters would ultimately determine the state's future in the 2027 elections based on performance and tangible development rather than political rhetoric.
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