The Vice President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), South South Zone, Mr. Opaka Dokubo, has commended the administration of Governor Bassey Otu for what he described as visible and impactful governance across Cross River State, saying the state stands out as one of the few places in Nigeria where democracy is genuinely delivering dividends to the people.
By Victoria Omini- CALABAR
Dokubo made the remarks in Calabar after touring several government projects ahead of a regional NUJ meeting in the state. He expressed appreciation to the Cross River State Government for the warm reception accorded to delegates and noted that their visit coincided with the nation’s Democracy Day celebration.
According to him, the timing was symbolic as it offered journalists from across the South South region the opportunity to witness firsthand what he called the practical workings of democracy in action.
“We can boldly say that governance truly works in Cross River State. What we have seen for ourselves is evidence that government is active and responsive to the needs of the people,” he said.
Dokubo particularly praised the state government’s efforts in revitalising the tourism sector, noting that Cross River has long been renowned as Nigeria’s tourism destination. He said the ongoing improvements at the Marina Resort and other tourism assets reflect a determined effort by the administration to restore the state’s reputation as a peaceful and attractive destination.
“Some of us have visited Cross River several times and witnessed the decline of some of these facilities. Today, we are seeing a resurgence of what Calabar and Cross River have always been known for. The People’s Paradise is being reinvented and the glory days are gradually returning,” he stated.
The NUJ leader also lauded the transformation of the State Library, describing it as a world class educational facility. He recalled that the library was in a deplorable condition before the current administration took office but has now been rebuilt into a modern centre of learning.
“If education is the backbone of development, then the library is the fulcrum of education. What we have seen here is a remarkable turnaround. This is now a facility that can compete with the best anywhere,” he said.
Dokubo further expressed satisfaction with the ongoing reconstruction and modernisation of the Cross River Newspaper Corporation, publishers of the Nigerian Chronicle. He described the newspaper as one of the most iconic state owned publications in the country and commended the government for restoring the institution after the destruction it suffered during the EndSARS protests.
“We understand what happened to the complex during the EndSARS crisis and how badly affected it was. Today, we have seen an entirely different picture. The Chronicle is returning to reckoning and we look forward to being invited for its official reopening,” he said.
He noted that government support for the media demonstrates a clear understanding of the critical role journalists play in democratic governance.
“Government can only remain close to the people when there is a strong relationship with the media. What we have seen here is evidence of a cordial and productive partnership between the government and the NUJ,” he added.
While encouraging the administration to sustain the momentum and continue improving public infrastructure and services, Dokubo said the achievements recorded within three years provide ample evidence that democracy is working in Cross River State.
“On behalf of journalists across the South South region and the national leadership of the NUJ, we can confidently say that something good is happening in Cross River State. Democracy is indeed at work here,” he said.
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