By Frank Ulom
Residents across Cross River State have expressed caution ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing job creation, electricity, rural roads, infrastructure development, security, pension payments, and the performance of political appointees as yardsticks for voting.
The views emerged during a Vox Populi conducted by Our Reporter across the state’s three senatorial districts following recent remarks by the Territorial Archbishop of Calabar and Founding Patriarch of the Cross River State Christian Leaders Forum, Archbishop Josef Bassey.
The cleric, known for his outspoken views on governance and public affairs, had assessed Governor Otu’s three years in office and described the administration’s performance as “extraordinary”, saying the state had moved from what he described as “a deep pit” towards recovery.
Archbishop Bassey also called for continuity rather than what he described as another political experiment, a position that has generated debate among residents.
However, respondents interviewed by the Vox Populi said while they had observed improvements in some sectors, the government must address remaining challenges before asking residents to make decisions about the 2027 elections.
Roads and infrastructure
Mrs Eyo Ekpe, a 52-year-old trader at Watt Market in Calabar, said improvements in infrastructure had made movement within the city easier.
“Before, to move around the metropolis was fear. Now the road is good. I don’t care if they call it renovation or new building. If Governor’s Office is working and light is there, that’s what matters. Let him finish what he started,” she said.
In Ogoja, Comrade Paul Odey, a 38-year-old civil servant, said regular salary payments and reported debt reduction were among developments he had noticed.
However, he called for more attention to roads in the northern part of the state.
“We heard about the debt reduction. We also saw our salary now comes on time. The Calabar-Ogoja road is changing. But Ukelle road is still bad. If he wants our vote again, let him touch Ukelle and Boki. We are watching,” Odey said.
Mrs Blessing Etim, a 41-year-old farmer in Yakurr Local Government Area, said improved access roads had helped farmers transport agricultural produce to markets.
“The road to our farm is now passable. We can carry yams and garri to market. That is development to me. But politicians should stop using us. If Otu continues, he should remember poor people, not only big men,” she said.
Security and peace
Security was another area frequently mentioned by respondents.
HRH Chief Ita Bassey, a community leader in Big Qua Town, Calabar, recalled security concerns in 2023 and said the situation had improved.
“2023 was terrible. Cult boys, kidnapping. Now my children can come home by 10pm and I can sleep with my two eyes closed. Archbishop is right — when peace comes, you don’t talk about it again, you just live. That one we must acknowledge,” he said.
Mr Emmanuel Ubi, a 45-year-old commercial tricycle rider in Ikom, said improved security had helped business activities.
“Business is moving because people are not afraid again. Before, after 7pm nobody comes out. Now we work till late. Government should protect this peace. No going back,” he said.
CallyAir, jobs and youth expectations
Miss Linda Archibong, a 27-year-old corps member at the University of Cross River State, UNICROSS, Calabar, said increased flight availability had made travel easier for residents.
“I used to wait for aircraft to come to Calabar before travelling out of Calabar but now, with the acquisition of additional aircraft on the fleet of the state-owned airline, CallyAir, we can now catch flights even as early as 8:00am to Abuja and Lagos on a daily basis. That alone is big for me,” she said.
However, she said employment opportunities must receive greater attention.
“But jobs? We need jobs. Training is good, but where is the work after training?” she asked.
That concern was echoed by Barrister Veronica Ojong, a lawyer in Calabar, who said the state needed to consolidate its recovery through industrialisation and employment creation.
“I don’t belong to any party. What I see is this: we were in a pit in 2023. We are climbing out. To push us back down now will be wickedness. But climbing is not arriving. The next four years must be about jobs and industry, not just fixing old buildings,” she said.
Pension payments and continuity
Madam Grace Okon, a 58-year-old pensioner in Calabar, said the commencement of gratuity payments had provided hope to retired workers.
“Fourteen years they owed us gratuity. This government has started paying to 2015. Is it finished? No. But is it moving? Yes. I don’t want us to start from zero again. Let them complete it,” she said.
Her position reflected the argument for continuity expressed by several respondents, although many insisted that continuity must be accompanied by improved service delivery.
Mr Joseph Bassey, a 34-year-old youth leader in Bekwarra, said residents of Cross River North expected greater inclusion in future development.
“The Archbishop said no experiment. I agree, but with condition. If you stay, bring light to Bekwarra. Bring the Medical College to Yala. Don’t just collect vote and forget us in the North,” he said.
Appointees come under criticism
Some respondents also criticised the performance of government appointees, arguing that the governor must demand greater accountability from members of his administration.
Mr David Ewa, a 29-year-old graduate in Calabar, said some commissioners had failed to make meaningful impacts in their respective sectors.
“Even we the youths are saying it, some commissioners are doing nothing. Archbishop spoke my mind. If Otu gets a second term, he should change the team. Put people who can work, not people who only know how to take pictures,” Ewa said.
In Ogoja, Mr Sunny Ogar, a 50-year-old carpenter, said the administration still had significant work to do.
“Archbishop has spoken. We have also seen with our eyes. Let nobody bring us new experiment. But Otu, if you are listening: finish the road, give us light, and make sure our children get work. Then we will talk about 2027,” he said.
People’s verdict: Recovery acknowledged, prosperity demanded
Across the three senatorial districts, three major issues repeatedly emerged from the interviews: roads, peace and continuity.
Many respondents acknowledged what they described as improvements in infrastructure, security and government institutions. However, the strongest demands centred on employment, electricity, rural infrastructure and improved performance by political appointees.
The responses suggest that while a number of residents support the argument for continuity, such support is not without expectations.
For many, the recovery they say they have witnessed must now move beyond restoring infrastructure and public institutions to creating jobs, expanding economic opportunities and improving living conditions.
The emerging mood, therefore, appears to reflect cautious approval of the current administration, coupled with a clear demand from residents: complete the recovery and translate it into prosperity for ordinary Cross Riverians.
