… Says people’s voice now shapes policy
From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, says his administration has reversed seven policies in three years following public complaints, declaring that citizens’ feedback is now the backbone of governance in the state.
The Governor, represented by Deputy Governor Peter Odey at the 2026 Political Advocacy Summit in Calabar said the “People First” mantra was a deliberate choice to prioritize citizens’ needs, not a slogan.
“In a democracy, the people give power through the ballot, and they also have the right to hold government accountable through petition, advocacy and criticism,” Odey said. “Feedback is the superstructure that stabilizes governance.”
Odey listed the policy reversals to include: a panel to probe employment racketeering at the Local Government Service Commission; streamlining of road traffic agency operations; reduction of fines for erring motorists; and temporary suspension of intercity motor ticketing.
Others are the temporary suspension of scrap metal dealers’ activities, tax harmonisation for businesses and communities, and provision of free bus rides during festive periods.
To institutionalize the process, the administration has established the Cross River State Public Complaints Office with a state coordinator. The office, working with feedback channels in the Ministry of Information, is to ensure citizens have unimpeded access to government.
“We cannot afford to distance ourselves from the yearnings of our people,” Odey said. “We are pleased to serve because together we can serve Cross River State better.”
keynote speaker and former military administrator of Kwara State, Col. Pam Ogar called for greater collaboration between government and citizens, urging stakeholders to embrace constructive dialogue and solution-driven engagement. He cautioned against abusive public discourse, saying criticism must be responsible and in the collective interest of the state.
Earlier, Special Adviser on Content Development and Archiving, Beatrice Akpala, said the summit themed “The Role of the People in the People’s Government: Institutionalizing the Feedback Mechanism” was convened to position citizens as active partners in governance.
She noted that the office was created to bridge communication between government and citizens and preserve the legacy of governance for future generations.
As part of summit, a magazine detailing some of the achievements of the government in three years was also unveiled by the deputy governor.
(The Sun)