The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, has urged Cross Riverians to look beyond party affiliation and vote for competence, accountability and effective governance in the 2027 election.
Archibong said the recurring floods, landslides, erosion and fire outbreaks across the state had exposed serious weaknesses in disaster preparedness and emergency response, describing the situation as a prevailing “season of sorrows.”
He spoke while reacting to the recent fire incident at Calabar Shopping Mall also referred to as SPAR, which he said highlighted the deteriorating state of emergency response infrastructure in the state.
According to him, only one fire truck responded from the state fire service, while the outdated vehicle arrived without water.
He said the situation was worsened by the fact that the fire service was operating from an uncompleted building without a functional water reservoir along Mary Slessor Avenue, while firefighters reportedly complained about the lack of diesel to source water.
“If this can happen in a state capital, imagine the scenario in other parts of the state,” he said.
The PDP candidate described the incident as a wake up call for the government to urgently strengthen the state’s emergency response system.
“A state that wants to attract businesses and investors must also have the capacity to protect lives, properties and investments when emergencies occur,” Archibong said.
He also recalled recent landslides in Calabar, including the Ikot Anwatim disaster, where five persons, including four children from the same family, lost their lives.
Archibong further cited the landslide at Boro Pit in Satellite Town, which claimed the life of a nine year old child, and the Diamond Road incident, which damaged buildings and disrupted access to the NNS Victory area.
He argued that some of the disasters could have been mitigated if government agencies had responded promptly to complaints and warnings from residents.
“These were not statistics. They were lives abruptly extinguished and families permanently scarred,” he said.
Archibong noted that state records documented 674 flood disaster cases in 2023, affecting 142,012 people, 28,287 houses and 25,664 farms across the 18 local government areas.
“What more warning does government need?” he asked, while calling for stronger drainage systems, stricter enforcement of town planning regulations, mapping of risk zones and functional early warning systems.
The PDP candidate also criticised the state’s response to recurring fire outbreaks, noting that the government had previously acknowledged the deterioration of the fire service and announced plans for its rehabilitation.
“Disaster response is not a reward for political loyalty. Fire and rescue services are not political settlements,” he said.
Archibong pledged that, if elected governor, his administration would adequately equip emergency agencies with functional vehicles, water, fuel, personnel and other resources required for rapid intervention during emergencies.
He also called for sustained rehabilitation and support for disaster victims, arguing that government assistance should extend beyond immediate relief.
“People First must mean more than visiting victims after disaster. It means standing with them until they can rebuild their lives,” he said.
As the 2027 election approaches, Archibong urged voters to assess candidates on their competence, accountability and capacity to improve the welfare and security of citizens.
“Do not allow party affiliation to blind you to the reality of how you and your family are living,” he urged.
He said although government could not control rainfall or prevent every disaster, it could anticipate risks, prepare institutions and protect vulnerable communities.
Archibong therefore urged Cross Riverians to use their votes in 2027 to end what he described as the “season of sorrows” by electing a government capable of putting the safety, welfare and dignity of citizens first.
