OPINION
By Nsa Gill
In the past few days, social media realm in Cross River State has been inundated with a plethora of incorrect narratives disseminated by meddlers and opportunistic politicians who have abruptly assumed the role of referees in a game that is yet to commence, talking about 2027 elections .
These meddlers are quick to engage in name-calling, in their attempt to sow discord among elected officials, and fabricating scenarios to suit their whims.
Unofficial media jobbers have also joined the fray, contributing to the propagation of entirely erroneous and baseless narratives.
Our primary concern centers around the Governor, His Excellency Prince Bassey Edet Otu, who is steadfastly dedicated to justifying the mandate bestowed upon him by the electorates.
The governor’s unwavering focus is on governance rather than political machinations. He is actively spearheading economic development, which is what the state needs most at this crucial time .
It is imperative to emphasize that the peddlers of this false narratives are enemy of Cross River State and all hands must be on deck to put an immediate halt to it.
One such instance involves the twisted insinuations surrounding a security decision taken regarding a scheduled gathering of cultural affinities in Calabar – Nkot Mbok.
The origins of Nkot Mbok dates back to a time prior to Governor Otu’s assumption of office in 2023, with no political affiliations attached. It is an undisputed fact that a majority of the cultural group’s members and leaders freely cast their votes for the Governor and continue to support him politically. Hence, it is utterly fallacious to insinuate political undertones and endeavor to pit the Governor against the senator representing his senatorial district, especially considering the latter’s sponsorship of the group’s annual event this year, as he did the previous year.
Governor Otu has never resorted to manipulating circumstances to secure electoral victories, whether during his tenure as a member of House of Representatives, a senator, or as the Governor. His track record speaks for itself and will continue to do so, alongside the workings of divine providence.
One indisputable fact is that Governor Otu will never compromise on matters of security. It is always preferable to decisively prevent any raised concerns rather than vacillate over threats to life and peace. Those who persist in making insinuations and drawing political inferences from what are essentially administrative and security-related decisions must desist.
Such actions constitute a perpetuation of false narratives.
Governor Otu has emerged from a history of political struggles where he was unjustly denied victories; he is determined not to subject others to a similar fate, particularly now that he has witnessed the hand of divine intervention in his personal struggles.
Certain meddlers have audaciously disparaged the Governor for reasons known only to them.
This behavior is not only unacceptable but also reprehensible. Some have propagated false narratives regarding an instance where the Governor delegated a representative to the annual Otomo Obong 2024, amidst equally important state obligations. The Obong of Calabar and the Council are well aware of the profound respect the Governor, himself a Prince holds for the ancient throne and the incumbent.
Governor Otu remains steadfast in his commitment to fulfill his electoral promises, offering leadership that is taking the state to a brighter future and garnered high acclaim across all governance spheres.
Governor Otu welcomes constructive criticisms and engagements aimed at advancing state development. False narratives propagated for political gains and divisiveness are deplorable and must be condemned and discontinued immediately.
Gill is the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Cross River State.