PDP Governorship Candidate, Sir Arthur Javis Archibong, has criticised the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, accusing it of poor project delivery, rural neglect, unequal distribution of opportunities and weak engagement with Cross Riverians.
Speaking at a press conference in Calabar on Thursday, August 13, 2026, Archibong said he had deliberately refrained from publicly criticising the administration over the past three years to allow Governor Otu sufficient time to demonstrate his capacity for effective governance.
He said, with less than a year remaining in the current administration’s first term, he now considered it necessary to speak about what he described as the major challenges facing Cross River State.
Archibong: Government Must Be Closer to the People
The PDP governorship candidate alleged that the state government had become disconnected from ordinary Cross Riverians, particularly accusing the Governor of spending considerable time outside the state.
Archibong argued that a governor must remain physically accessible to understand the challenges confronting citizens and personally monitor projects being executed across the state.
He also criticised what he described as excessive concentration of governance in Calabar, insisting that “Calabar is not Cross River State.”
According to him, the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts deserve the same level of government attention as the state capital.
Candidate Questions Lack of Signature Projects
Archibong further questioned what he described as the absence of major signature projects by the Otu administration, arguing that much of the government’s attention has been directed towards renovating structures inherited from previous administrations.
While acknowledging that continuity in government is important, he said Cross River needs new projects capable of transforming the economy and improving the lives of residents.
He also raised concerns about the execution and supervision of road and other infrastructure projects across the state.
Rural Development and Local Government Autonomy
The PDP candidate identified rural poverty and the development of local governments as major areas requiring urgent attention.
He said rural communities continue to face challenges including poor roads, inadequate healthcare facilities, limited electricity and weak support for local businesses.
Archibong pledged that, if elected, his administration would strengthen local governments and respect their financial autonomy to enable them to address grassroots development needs.
Promises Equity, Inclusion and Competence
On appointments and access to government opportunities, Archibong alleged that the current administration had not adequately reflected the diversity of Cross River State.
He promised that his administration would prioritise competence, fairness and equal opportunity, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity or location.
He also pledged to establish a strong ethical framework for governance and make sustainable wealth creation a central focus of his administration.
Archibong Defends Right to Political Opposition
The PDP candidate also expressed concern about what he described as attempts to suppress political opposition in the state.
He maintained that democracy requires room for dissent, constructive criticism and the ability of citizens and political parties to hold government accountable.
Archibong further urged Cross Riverians to remain vigilant and participate actively in the democratic process.
Archibong’s Four-Year Covenant to Cross Riverians
A major highlight of the press conference was Archibong’s declaration that, if elected, he would serve for only four years, describing the pledge as a covenant with Cross Riverians and God.
He promised that his administration would:
- Maintain a constant presence in Cross River State rather than operate as an absentee government.
- Visit communities, wards and clans across the state to understand their needs.
- Personally inspect projects to ensure quality, timely completion and value for money.
- Give equal attention to the Southern, Central and Northern Senatorial Districts.
- Strengthen local government financial autonomy.
- Promote equal treatment for Cross Riverians regardless of political affiliation.
- Prioritise competence over mediocrity.
- Focus on sustainable wealth creation and economic opportunities.
Archibong said his vision was to build a government that would be accessible to the people and focused on creating sustainable wealth rather than temporary empowerment.
“The entire state, as it should be, will be my gubernatorial constituency,” he declared.
The PDP candidate concluded by reaffirming his commitment to serving Cross Riverians with what he described as genuine love, accountability, fairness and the fear of God.
Sir Arthur Javis Archibong, Ph.D., is the PDP Governorship Candidate for Cross River State.
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