Sandy Onor and the ghost of a vanquished ambition

Sandy Onor and the ghost of a vanquished ambition

By Linus Obogo

What has really gone wrong with Sandy Onor? Is it a fixation or unbridled vindictiveness? How long will he continue to wail at the tomb of his electoral evisceration and stunted governorship ambition? Still imprisoned by the ruins of his ill-fated ambition to govern Cross River State three years ago, Sandy appears unable to extricate himself from the lingering trauma of that emphatic electoral repudiation. The echoes of his crushing defeat at the hands of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, continue to resonate through his public utterances, each one betraying a bitterness that time has failed to heal.

No doubt, the one term Senator is yet to overcome that political misfortune, bruising humiliation, and a barrage of slaps amid his paymaster’s failed bid to seize the Wadatta headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party sometime ago, he seems determined to cast Governor Otu as the villain in the story of his own political vanquish.

Once touted as a political caterpillar steadily inching toward greater relevance, Sandy now resembles a wheelbarrow weighed down by the burden of dwindling influence and fading public appeal. In fact, Chief Dan Ulasi, Chieftain of Nyesome Wike’s factional PDP couldn’t have captured it more succinctly, during his appearance on Arise Morning Show this morning. When asked about PDP and its Presidential candidate in the 2027 elections, Sandy Onor, Dan Ulasi said Sandy lacks Principles and values required of a presidential material. His verdict: PDP cannot afford a mediocre, parasite and nonentity as its presidential candidate. Simplicita!

It is against this backdrop that his recent description of Governor Otu’s administration as one “run by mediocres” must be understood. Such a sweeping assertion is not only regrettable but profoundly irresponsible. It is disappointing that a man who professes intellectual honesty would substitute evidence with empty rhetoric and inflammatory hyperbole. Where constructive criticism demands facts and reasoned alternatives, Senator Onor has instead embraced sensationalism in a desperate quest for political relevance.

Between Governor Otu and Sandy, who, indeed, is a mediocre? This question was resoundingly answered in 2023 when decided voters chose Otu ahead of the politically fossilized historian-turned urchin and scavenger to a certain emperor in Abuja. This is a historian with a manifest historical amnesia.

Cross Riverians, however, possess the discernment to distinguish theatrical grandstanding from measurable governance. A careful examination of Senator Onor’s own public record reveals a career far less distinguished than the lofty pronouncements he now makes. From his tenure as Chairman of Etung Local Government Council to his service as Commissioner for Environment, Commissioner for Agriculture, and later as Senator representing Cross River Central, legitimate questions remain about the enduring legacy of his stewardship. Public office is ultimately measured not by eloquent speeches but by lasting accomplishments.

By contrast, Governor Bassey Otu’s administration has remained unshaken in advancing its People First agenda through strategic investments in infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, tourism, security, social welfare, and economic development. These achievements are neither imaginary nor speculative; they are visible across the state, earning national recognition while steadily restoring investor confidence.

One striking example lies in the security landscape. Before Governor Otu assumed office, private university associated with the factional PDP governorship candidate had become synonymous with insecurity, as recurring kidnappings drove frightened parents to withdraw their children in alarming numbers. Today, that atmosphere of fear has yielded to stability through the Governor’s deliberate strengthening of the state’s security architecture. To dismiss such tangible progress as mediocrity is nothing short of terminological inexactitude and phraseological vandalism.
Beyond security, the administration has successfully attracted private-sector investments, expanded agricultural value chains, revitalised tourism, strengthened social intervention programmes, improved critical road infrastructure, enhanced collaboration among security agencies, and restored confidence in public institutions.

Educational reforms, youth empowerment initiatives, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, and deliberate policies aimed at creating a business-friendly environment further testify to a government committed to sustainable development rather than fleeting political applause.

It is therefore astonishing that Senator Onor would dismiss these verifiable accomplishments with broad, unsubstantiated allegations. Responsible opposition flourishes on facts, credible alternatives, and constructive engagement, not inflammatory declarations crafted merely to dominate newspaper headlines.

Despite Senator Onor’s relentless verbal assaults, fuelled perhaps by the lingering sting of electoral rejection and an increasingly fragile political relevance, Governor Otu remains resolutely committed to serving every Cross Riverian, irrespective of political affiliation. His administration understands that governance is validated not by partisan rhetoric but by practical interventions that improve the lives of ordinary citizens. That conviction continues to shape every policy and programme implemented across the state.

Equally misleading is the sweeping claim that Cross Riverians are suffering solely because of the present administration. Such a conclusion ignores the broader economic realities confronting Nigeria and unfairly attempts to attribute every national challenge to the Government of Cross River State. Intellectual honesty demands a more balanced assessment of prevailing circumstances.

Indeed, Governor Otu has consistently demonstrated empathy through deliberate policies designed to cushion the effects of economic hardship. Expanded social investment programmes, agricultural support initiatives, investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, and job creation all reflect a government consciously working to improve livelihoods while laying durable foundations for long-term prosperity.

To suggest that this administration has “absolutely nothing to offer” is to wilfully disregard the numerous projects already completed and those presently underway. Roads are being rehabilitated, tourism is witnessing renewed vitality, agriculture is receiving unprecedented attention, strategic partnerships are unlocking fresh economic opportunities, and investor confidence continues to strengthen. These are measurable realities that transcend partisan narratives. Only mediocres like Sandy and his ilk who would fail to acknowledge or see these strides, owing to their glaucoma infested eyes.

Constructive opposition remains indispensable to every thriving democracy, but it forfeits credibility when exaggeration replaces evidence. Cross Riverians deserve honest conversations about governance, not politically motivated narratives intended to diminish genuine progress. They remain fully capable of judging whether Governor Otu’s leadership reflects stability, hope, vision, and purposeful governance.

As the 2027 political season gradually approaches, the ultimate verdict will belong not to the loudest voices but to the people themselves. They will judge leaders by their character, credibility, vision, and measurable achievements, not by inflammatory speeches or theatrical political performances. In the final analysis, history seldom remembers those who traded in bitterness. It reserves its highest honours for those whose stewardship transformed lives and whose legacy stood resilient against the tempests of partisan rhetoric.

Obogo is Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Bassey Otu