The 2027 People Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Javis Archibong, has declared his readiness to engage the Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu in an open debate at any time and venue of the governor’s choosing, provided the governor himself will be present.
Speaking with journalists in Calabar Tuesday, Archibong who was responding to a challenge issued by the Commissioner for Information, Pst. Ekpenyong Cobham, said he was ready to honour the challenge to a debate as demanded.
“I am willing to honour the challenge to a debate, on one condition: that Governor Bassey Otu will be there in person.
“The people deserve to hear directly from those seeking to lead them, not from proxies,” Archibong said
The PDP candidate added that he would not be drawn into exchanging words with the Commissioner.
“Pastor Cobham is my brother. But he is not on the ballot, so I will not join issues with him,” he stated.
Archibong also addressed recent criticisms of Arthur Jarvis University, (AJU), the first private university in the state, located in Akpabuyo LGA.
He said the university was established with the good intent to serve Cross Riverians and would not be distracted by false allegations.
“All sorts of things have been said about AJU. Funnily enough, the last I heard of bed bugs was in my childhood when we slept on straw beds,” he said.
He challenged his critics to show what they have done for the state.
“Before pointing fingers at AJU, they should first point to one business they own where they have employed at least 15 people from this state,
“Instead of chasing imaginary bedbugs in Akpabuyo, they should come and see the real crisis in Watt Market. Go there today and see the filth, the stench, the blocked drainages, and traders selling beside refuse.
“That is the environmental emergency staring us in the face. Our firefighters have no diesel. Our fire trucks have no water. And when infernos like the one at SPAR Mall happened, we are left helpless.
“That is where government attention should be, not in spreading lies about a university that is trying to add value,” he said.
On the issue of scholarships, Archibong said education support has always been a personal commitment to him.
“Scholarships are a personal act of service. I will not bring charity to the marketplace just to score cheap political points,” he stated.
He urged the Commissioner to do proper research before speaking, especially by asking the people of Akpabuyo, Bakassi and other communities who have benefited over the years.
“Barefaced lying is alien to the calling of a pastor. If he is truly a pastor and not self-acclaimed, then he should be wary of the God who sees and knows all things.
“And if serving in government now means he must abandon the truth and integrity of the pulpit, then he must decide where he truly belongs, on the pulpit or in politics.”
On the 2027 elections, Archibong said the contest will be determined by the people and not by lies, intimidation, thuggery or money politics.
His words: “This election will not be won by attacking institutions that should be supported by government. Arthur Jarvis University is a thriving institution that employs our people and trains our children.
“Instead of support, it is been subjected to unprovoked attacks simply because of politics. That is not how you build a state,” he said.
Archibong berated the Otu led administration for its unending absence especially in moments of crisis.
“When landslides claimed lives and destroyed properties, and when fire swept through our businesses like the recent SPAR Mall crisis, the presence of our governor is nowhere to be found.”
He noted that the Commissioner had claimed the governor’s perpetual absence was to attract businesses to the state.
“But let us ask, what have all these travels produced? Government keeps going out for MoUs, but Cross Riverians are yet to see the dividends.
“After so many MoUs, show me how many have translated to successful projects that are addressing the pitiful situation of this state.
“Where are the factories? Where are the jobs? Where is the relief for the ordinary man? You cannot be absent at home in the name of chasing investors abroad, while the house is on fire and there is no water to put it out.”
The PDP candidate expressed deep sympathy for business owners and workers affected by the early Saturday inferno at the SPAR Shopping Mall in Calabar.
“My heart bleeds for every trader, every young worker, and every family whose livelihood went up in flames that morning. As a businessman myself, I know the pain of watching years of sweat and sacrifice turn to ashes overnight.
“Under my watch, we will never be caught unprepared again. Emergency response will be fast, equipped, and present. We will ensure our fire service has water, has diesel, and has the tools to protect lives and properties within the time of need. No Cross Riverian should ever have to face disaster alone,” he assured.
Archibong concluded that leadership is about presence, service and accountability.
“Cross River deserves a governor who will not govern from a distance or by proxy.
“Our people deserve leadership that shows up, listens, and delivers. That is the covenant I offer the people of Cross River in 2027. Let this contest be about ideas, about track records, and about who is ready to serve and nothing less,” he added.
