Northern Cross River Leaders of Thought Reject Ayade’s Claims of Developmental Neglect, Back Governor Otu
Leaders of Thought representing the five local government areas of Cross River State’s Northern Senatorial District have rejected comments credited to former Governor, Senator Prof. Ben Ayade, alleging that the area has been unfairly treated in terms of development by the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu.
In a press statement issued by the leaders, they described Ayade’s comments as disappointing, misleading and inconsistent with the developmental realities across the Northern Senatorial District.
The statement followed an interview reportedly granted by the former governor on the sidelines of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Train’s visit to Cross River State on November 2, 2026. The interview was subsequently circulated on social media.
The leaders said the former governor’s remarks did not reflect the collective position of the people of the Northern Senatorial District, adding that they regarded his comments as his personal opinion.
They maintained that Ayade had the opportunity to discuss any concerns he might have about the development of the area directly with his successor in a dignified manner.
Leaders Highlight Otu Administration’s Projects Across Northern Cross River
Defending the performance of the present administration, the leaders listed several infrastructure and development projects they said had been undertaken or revived within the Northern Senatorial District in the last three years.
Among the projects highlighted were the rehabilitation of urban roads in Ogoja, the Ndok–Mbube–Utuqwang–Obudu Road, the Ukelle–Wanikade Road and the Afrike–Ukpa Road, which they said was currently under construction.
They also stated that the Mom–Okpoma–Okuku Road, which they alleged was abandoned during the previous administration, had been re-awarded by the Otu administration and completed.
On infrastructure in Ogoja, the leaders said the Governor’s Lodge project, which they claimed remained on paper throughout Ayade’s eight-year administration, was now receiving attention and nearing completion.
They further noted that electricity challenges in Bekwarra Local Government Area were being addressed under the current administration, while an Agricultural Research Institute had been established at Nyanya.
The statement also identified the completion of the Obudu International Cargo and Passenger Airport as part of the ongoing development efforts in the district.
Leaders Accuse Previous Administration of Neglecting Obanliku
The leaders also criticised the previous administration over what they described as the neglect of Obanliku Local Government Area.
According to the statement, the Obudu Ranch Resort and Utanga Lodges, which they described as major tourism assets, were allowed to deteriorate, while the Bebi Airport, a tourism-support facility, was allegedly abandoned.
They further claimed that urban roads in Sankwala, the headquarters of Obanliku Local Government Area, remained in poor condition throughout the eight years of the previous administration.
The leaders said the Otu administration had taken steps to revive the facilities and address infrastructure challenges in the area.
They consequently described Ayade’s comments as unfair and unwarranted, urging public figures to exercise caution and consider the facts before making public statements capable of creating negative impressions about the state government.
Northern Leaders Reaffirm Vote of Confidence in Governor Otu
The signatories recalled that in March 2025, they issued an earlier statement commending Ayade for his efforts towards uniting the Northern Senatorial District in support of the federal and state administrations.
They also recalled expressing satisfaction with the developmental projects and infrastructure transformation under Governor Otu, during which they unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the Governor and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey.
The leaders said their position remained unchanged, insisting that traditional rulers, political leaders and youths across the district were in constant contact with people at the grassroots and would speak out whenever the interests of the area were threatened.
They maintained that there was currently no reason to suggest that the Northern Senatorial District was being shortchanged by the present administration.
Leaders Call for APC Support Ahead of 2027 Elections
The statement described Ayade’s allegation that the North was being shortchanged as misinformation that could portray the people of the district as ungrateful.
The leaders called on traditional rulers, political stakeholders and youths of good conscience to dissociate themselves from what they described as the misinformation.
They also urged residents of the Northern Senatorial District to assess the performance of the present administration based on visible projects and development activities.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the leaders called on the people to mobilise and vote massively for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Bassey Edet Otu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
They expressed optimism that the party would celebrate its electoral victories in an atmosphere of unity, love and peace.
Signatories to the Statement
The press statement was signed on behalf of the five local government areas of the Northern Senatorial District by:
- High Chief Dr. Tony Undiandeye – Obudu Local Government Area.
- Chief Omang Idiegie – Ada Bekwarra II, Bekwarra Local Government Area.
- Chief Dr. Peter Abang Ojie – Ogoja Local Government Area.
- Ntufam Dr. Fidelis Ugbo, Esq. – Obanliku Local Government Area.
- High Chief Peters Higgins – Yala Local Government Area.
The leaders reaffirmed their support for the Otu administration, maintaining that the development of the Northern Senatorial District should be assessed through verifiable projects and the experiences of residents across the five local government areas.
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