By Frank Ulom
Former Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District, Senator Gershom Bassey, has described the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a transformative project capable of changing the economic fortunes of Cross River State if completed as planned.
Speaking during a media chat, the frontline member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) said the multi-billion-naira infrastructure project would unlock significant economic opportunities for the state and the wider South-South region, urging all stakeholders to support its successful completion.
According to Bassey, the public-private partnership (PPP) model proposed for the management of the coastal highway would ensure its sustainability after completion, guaranteeing effective maintenance and long-term benefits.
He said the project would enhance connectivity, boost commerce, attract investments and stimulate tourism, thereby contributing to the socio-economic development of Cross River State.
Assessing the performance of the Cross River State Government under Governor Bassey Edet Otu, the former senator acknowledged that although residents had raised concerns in some areas, the administration had made measurable progress in improving security.
He particularly commended the governor for significantly reducing incidents of kidnapping across the state, describing the improvement in security as one of the administration’s notable achievements.
Bassey, however, noted that more needed to be done in other critical sectors to improve the living conditions of residents amid the prevailing economic hardship.
The former lawmaker also praised the state government’s efforts to secure the allocation of about 300 oil fields to Cross River State, expressing optimism that the development would boost internally generated revenue and improve the state’s economic prospects if realised.
Commenting on the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Bassey described the reforms as painful for many Nigerians and questioned the approach adopted in implementing them.
He maintained that while economic reforms were necessary, greater attention should have been paid to measures that would cushion their impact on ordinary citizens.
On constitutional reforms, Bassey advocated true federalism and greater devolution of powers to the federating units, arguing that these would better address Nigeria’s governance challenges than renewed campaigns for restructuring or the creation of additional states.
He observed that creating new states remained a difficult constitutional process with stringent requirements, making devolution of powers a more practical option.
Speaking on the bill before the National Assembly seeking the establishment of state police, the former senator expressed support for the initiative, saying the country’s growing security challenges required complementary policing structures.
He, however, cautioned that adequate constitutional safeguards must be put in place to prevent possible abuse of state police by governors and other political actors.
Bassey concluded by urging Nigerians to embrace patriotism and national unity, stressing that every citizen had a responsibility to contribute positively towards building a stronger and more prosperous nation.