The Cross River Elders and Stakeholders Forum has urged members of the Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSCF) to focus on defending what it described as the miserable performance of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration rather than launching attacks on the presidential flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Prof. Sandy Onor.
The group was reacting to recent comments by Dr Julius Ochim Okputu and Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, whom it accused of engaging in politically motivated attacks against the former senator while ignoring what it described as growing public dissatisfaction with governance in the state.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Dr Anthony Adie, and Secretary, Mr Asuquo Bassey, the forum alleged that the sustained criticism of Onor reflected anxiety within the ranks of the state government over its performance record.
According to the statement, attempts to measure Onor’s political relevance solely by the outcome of the 2023 governorship election ignored his extensive record of public service, electoral victories, and leadership at various levels of government.
“It takes an alarming level of political illiteracy to conclude that one electoral setback is sufficient to erase an entire lifetime of political accomplishments, victories, and public service,” the group stated.
The forum maintained that Onor remains one of the most accomplished political figures to emerge from Cross River State, having distinguished himself in leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels.
The group further alleged that the attacks on Onor were designed to divert public attention from challenges confronting critical sectors of the state’s economy.
“Focusing on Sandy Onor is a diversionary tactic intended to shift attention from the deplorable state of the health, education, and infrastructure sectors, where billions of naira have reportedly been spent without corresponding evidence on the ground,” the statement said.
The forum challenged members of the CRSCF to accompany journalists, civil society organisations, and independent observers on an inspection tour of projects showcased during activities marking Governor Otu’s third anniversary in office.
It also called on Dr Julius Ochim Okputu to provide Cross Riverians with an update on the Yala Road project being executed by Coastbound Nigeria Limited, alleging that the condition of the road remains unsatisfactory despite government expenditure on the project.
The group argued that electoral defeats are part of the democratic process, noting that Governor Otu himself experienced setbacks in previous elections before eventually securing victory in the 2023 governorship contest.
The statement also dismissed criticisms of Onor’s relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, insisting that strategic political alliances remain valuable assets in contemporary politics and governance.
According to the forum, such relationships can attract influence, visibility, and development opportunities that ultimately benefit the people.
The group further accused the Otu administration of failing to adequately address economic hardship, infrastructure deficits, and what it described as growing public dissatisfaction across the state.
It urged government supporters to focus on governance, transparency, and accountability rather than personal attacks on political opponents.
Describing Onor as a prominent national figure, the forum said his experience, leadership credentials, and political profile continue to place him at the forefront of national discourse.
The group expressed confidence that his emergence as the PDP presidential flag bearer offers another opportunity for him to contribute to national development and public service.
It concluded by calling for issue-based politics and constructive engagement, insisting that history would ultimately judge leaders by their contributions to society rather than the volume of criticism directed at their opponents.
Read the statement from the CRSCF here.
