The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Javis Archibong, has criticised the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, accusing it of being disconnected from the people and failing to deliver meaningful development across the state.
Archibong made his position known on Thursday, August 13, 2026, during a press conference on the state of Cross River, where he said he had deliberately refrained from publicly criticising the administration over the past three years to give the governor sufficient time to demonstrate his capacity for good governance.
According to him, with less than one year remaining in the governor’s four year tenure, continued silence would amount to a betrayal of the people who deserve purposeful leadership.
Archibong alleged that the administration had become disconnected from the people, particularly because of what he described as the governor’s limited presence in the state. He questioned how the governor could adequately understand the challenges facing Cross Riverians without regular interaction with citizens across the state.
He also criticised what he described as the delegation of governance to individuals who were not elected into office, arguing that such a practice had affected the quality and speed of decision making in the state.
The PDP candidate further accused the administration of concentrating governance around Calabar, saying the governor’s activities outside the state capital had been limited.
“Calabar is not Cross River State. It is only the state capital, and the Governor is clearly the Governor of Cross River, and not the Governor of Calabar,” he said.
Archibong expressed concern over what he described as inadequate supervision of projects across the state, arguing that contracts awarded without regular inspection by the chief executive could result in poor execution, abandonment and inaccurate evaluation.
He also faulted the administration for what he described as the absence of a major signature project after almost four years in office.
According to him, much attention had been devoted to the renovation and completion of structures inherited from previous administrations, while the state lacked new projects capable of defining the present administration.
He acknowledged the importance of continuity in governance but questioned whether the administration had entered office with a clear development plan for Cross River State.
Archibong listed the refurbished library complex, the Governor’s Office, the completed Local Government building, the ongoing renovation of the cultural centre and some road projects as examples of projects he believed had not adequately reflected the development needs of the state.
He further compared Cross River with neighbouring states, including Akwa Ibom, Abia and Enugu, which he said were implementing infrastructure projects with long term developmental impact.
“Cross River State certainly deserves better,” he declared.
On rural development, the PDP candidate accused the administration of failing to introduce sufficient programmes to tackle rural poverty, while expressing concern over the condition of local governments.
He argued that local governments should be empowered to perform their constitutional responsibilities, particularly in the areas of rural roads, electricity, healthcare and support for local businesses.
Archibong also raised concerns about what he described as inequality in government appointments, contracts and access to opportunities, alleging that political proximity and loyalty had increasingly become determining factors in accessing government resources.
He called for greater fairness among the three senatorial districts and the various ethnic groups in Cross River, stressing that government should be accessible to every citizen regardless of political affiliation.
The PDP candidate also criticised what he described as nepotism and alleged favouritism in the award of government contracts, calling for competitive processes that would prioritise competence.
On democracy and freedom of expression, Archibong condemned what he described as threats against opposition voices in the state.
He said Cross Riverians had the right to question government policies and demand accountability, adding that citizens should not be intimidated from expressing their concerns about governance.
Archibong also alleged that plans were being made to employ violent tactics during the forthcoming political campaigns and elections. He urged security agencies, political actors and citizens to remain vigilant and protect the integrity of the electoral process.
He further criticised the distribution of used vehicles as an empowerment strategy, arguing that government resources should instead be invested in sustainable wealth creation and programmes capable of improving the livelihoods of beneficiaries.
Reflecting on the history of Cross River State, Archibong referenced past military and civilian administrations, including those led by Brigadier Udoakaha Jacob Esuene, Commodore Paul Omu, Group Captain Christopher Osondu, Chief Clement Ebri and former Governor Donald Duke.
He said the state had historically been associated with vision, service and pride, but expressed concern that these values were being eroded by what he described as neglect, division and despair.
According to him, civil servants were facing difficulties, while businesses were struggling under what he described as excessive taxation and inadequate government support.
He called on Cross Riverians to remain committed to defending their democratic rights and demanding accountability from those entrusted with public office.
Archibong also spoke about the importance of the state’s cultural and religious values, stressing that Cross River was founded on strong Christian and traditional values which, he said, should continue to guide the affairs of the state.
Making what he described as a covenant with Cross Riverians, Archibong pledged that if elected governor, he would serve for only four years, describing the commitment as an undertaking before God and the people of the state.
He promised not to operate as an absentee governor, saying he would remain physically available to the people and travel outside the state only when necessary for matters capable of bringing measurable development to Cross River.
He also pledged to govern beyond Calabar and regularly visit communities, wards and clans across the state to engage directly with citizens and inspect government projects.
Archibong promised to ensure that all three senatorial districts, local government areas and ethnic groups were included in the state’s development agenda.
He said his administration would support local government financial autonomy, eliminate discrimination and nepotism in government, and establish a strong ethical framework that would place competence above mediocrity.
“My mantra will be sustainable wealth creation,” he said.
The PDP governorship candidate concluded by pledging to devote his proposed four year tenure to creating sustainable wealth, improving the lives of Cross Riverians and serving all citizens with fairness and dedication.
“I will serve and love all the people of Cross River State deeply as Christ leads me. So, help me God,” Archibong declared.
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