The Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSCF) has issued a strong rebuttal to recent criticisms made by former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, accusing him of reversing his long-held position on Governor Bassey Otu following his defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, and Secretary, Dr. Julius Ochim Okputu, the Forum argued that Eba had, during his tenure as APC Chairman, consistently praised Governor Otu’s leadership and publicly defended the administration’s policies and programmes.
According to the Forum, Eba previously described Governor Otu as the “Sweetest Prince” and repeatedly commended his emergence as the party’s governorship candidate, while also expressing confidence that his administration would depart from the shortcomings of previous governments.
The CRSCF maintained that Eba’s recent criticisms, particularly regarding the state government’s efforts to recover and secure Cross River’s oil wells, contradict his earlier public endorsements and should be viewed within the context of his political realignment.
The Forum also referenced Eba’s removal as APC State Chairman in December 2025, stating that allegations of financial mismanagement, administrative disagreements, and internal disputes contributed to his exit from the party before his eventual resignation and movement to the PDP.
Defending the performance of Governor Otu’s administration, the Forum acknowledged that governance comes with challenges but insisted that the government has recorded notable achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, and economic development.
It highlighted ongoing road construction projects across the state, payment of examination fees for students, improvements in healthcare services, agricultural interventions, efforts to recover oil wells, the revitalisation of Tinapa, and increased consistency in salary, pension, and gratuity payments as evidence of the administration’s commitment to its “People First” agenda.
The Forum further alleged that attempts were being made to undermine the state government through recent reports and publications, arguing that some of the assessments contained methodological weaknesses and failed to present a balanced picture of developments in Cross River State.
Calling on residents to judge the administration based on its record rather than political rhetoric, the CRSCF expressed confidence that Governor Otu’s policies and projects would continue to earn public support ahead of future elections.
The statement concluded by urging Cross Riverians to remain focused on what it described as the administration’s ongoing efforts to promote development, equity, and progress across the state.
The statement was signed by Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, Chairman of the Cross River State Consultative Forum, and Dr. Julius Ochim Okputu, Secretary, and was issued in Calabar on June 10, 2026.
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