CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has accused Governor Bassey Otu of maintaining silence over what it described as widespread misconduct and rising insecurity under his administration.
In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST in Calabar, the State Chairman of the PDP, Venatius Ikem, alleged that Cross River is currently “in a state of inertia,” with no meaningful governance or direction under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government.
Ikem specifically cited alleged atrocities involving some of the governor’s close aides, including an incident in which the Managing Director of the State Water Board was reportedly assaulted by a fellow government official, yet Governor Otu has remained mute.
“How safe are the ordinary citizens of the state? Maybe because the MD is not from a certain part of the state!” Ikem queried.
He also condemned the governor’s silence over allegations that a Special Assistant in the administration was collecting government revenue through private accounts – a matter that, according to Ikem, was widely reported but met with no official response.
“The governor is deaf to the gross misconduct,” he added. “Listening to voices on the streets generally leaves no one in doubt as to the devastating effects of the APC leadership. The people are living in regret.”
On the political impact of the APC in the state, Ikem argued that it could be measured by the deteriorating welfare of the ordinary people, noting that many are now nostalgic for the years under PDP rule.
“The APC is simply telling the people, if you thought the PDP chastised you with whips, we are here to chastise you with scorpions,” he said. “And like the Israelites under Moses, they’d rather go back to Egypt.”
He claimed that the APC has resorted to coercing local leaders into joining its ranks in a bid to secure political control “by proxy”, but maintained that such tactics are failing, especially in parts of the Northern Senatorial District.
“As far as the people are concerned, Governor Otu is doing nothing to improve their lives,” Ikem stressed.
Reacting to recent endorsements of Governor Otu for a second term in 2027 by some of his aides, the PDP chairman said such actions are misguided.
“If his party chooses to present him for reelection, the PDP will clap for them for their mistake,” Ikem said, adding that his party will field a “more acceptable candidate that can give better hope to the people.”
As of the time of filing this report, the Cross River State Government has not issued a response to the PDP’s allegations.
