The Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has been accused of allegedly orchestrating a calculated disruption of the inauguration of projects executed by the Federal Government in Calabar, the state capital.
The incident allegedly involved the destruction of structures prepared for the inauguration of a road projects executed by the Federal Government through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The Calabar South Local Government Chairman, Hon. Patrick Archibong, was alleged to have personally led some people to stop the inauguration of the project amidst claims by him that he was acting on the instructions of the governor.
It was also alleged that the chairman deployed a team of security personnel and heavy-duty machinery, including a caterpillar, to forcibly block the Idang Road, the designated venue for the inauguration of a newly completed federal road project scheduled for 11 a.m.
It was also alleged that the move effectively crippled access to the site, and disrupted all logistics prepared for the inauguration of the project.
The team led by the chairman was accused of brazenly dismantling canopies, destroying the stage, and tearing down all erected signage, including large billboards bearing the image of President Bola Tinubu, which had been mounted to honour his administration’s role in facilitating the NDDC projects.
The banners and billboards were allegedly, personally destroyed and removed by Hon. Patrick Archibong, the LG Chairman of Calabar South, who stated that he was acting on Governor Out’s directive.
The Inauguration was to be presided over by the Minister of Regional Development, Mr. Abubakar Momoh, who was in Calabar as President Tinubu’s official representative.
“This act is not only a disrespect to the Presidency, but a direct affront to the developmental aspirations of the people of Cross River State.
“These projects were meant to bring hope, relief and progress to the people. It is tragic that political ego has taken precedence over public good,” said the minister.
Political analysts view the alleged governor’s actions as a dangerous escalation of state-federal tensions, raising questions about the unity of purpose among leaders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the broader implications for national development.
As of press time, the Federal Government is yet to issue an official statement, but sources close to the Presidency confirm that the incident is being taken “very seriously” and may prompt urgent intervention.
Reacting to the incident, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Nsa Gill, told THISDAY on phone that there was no incident of destruction of the inauguration of the road projects.
Gill said the only area of concern was the attempt by the organisers, who tried not to bring the state government on board even when 70 per cent of the road project located in Nyagasang, Calabar Municipal Local Government Area, was financed by the state government, and about 30 per cent from NDDC.
Gill said contrary to claims that the inauguration was disrupted, in actual fact, the state Commissioner for Works, Hon. Pius Ankpo, the minister, and representatives of the NDDC put heads together and agreed to shift the inauguration to another date.
The press secretary said the second road at Idang in Calabar South Local Government was inaugurated without any hitch, and was even televised live by one of the private television stations in the country.
Creidt: News Express
