By Frank Ulom
Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage, a socio-cultural group, has declared its support for Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu and President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 governorship and presidential elections.
The group made the declaration while responding to criticisms surrounding the activities of former Cross River State House of Assembly Speaker and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board member, Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke.
In a statement issued by Orok Otu Duke Media, Tinkoriko said it had become necessary to address what it described as “unfounded criticisms” and misconceptions about Duke’s role in the NDDC and the objectives of Tinkoriko.
The group said Duke is a part-time member of the NDDC Board representing Cross River State and does not serve as the Commission’s Managing Director or Executive Director.
It stressed that he neither controls the NDDC budget personally nor possesses the authority to unilaterally award contracts, purchase transformers or direct government funds to communities of his choice.
According to the statement, the NDDC is a statutory institution with established administrative, financial and procurement procedures, within which its board members operate.
“Since assuming office, he has facilitated employment opportunities for young Cross Riverians in the NDDC and other relevant government agencies and institutions,” the statement said.
It added that Duke had also facilitated training, skills acquisition and empowerment opportunities for youths and women across the state.
The group maintained that NDDC projects were spread across Cross River’s 18 local government areas, including roads, solar street lights and waste management infrastructure.
It argued that Duke had served on the board for only about two years and that more interventions were expected.
Tinkoriko also defended Duke’s approach to public service, saying he was not a politician who believed every intervention should become a media event.
“The fact that an individual has not personally benefited from an intervention does not mean that the intervention did not take place,” it stated.
The group urged critics and members of the public to assess Duke’s performance by verifying claims and speaking with beneficiaries rather than relying solely on social media narratives.
Tinkoriko defends cultural relevance
The statement also rejected what it described as attempts to portray Tinkoriko as an avenue for spending money that could otherwise be used for infrastructure projects.
It said such a position amounted to a misunderstanding of the cultural platform’s purpose.
“Tinkoriko predates Duke’s appointment to the NDDC Board, and it will outlive that appointment,” the group said.
It described Tinkoriko as a cultural institution and social platform that had existed for decades, providing young people with an avenue to express themselves, celebrate creativity, share social experiences and participate in communal life.
The group said the platform also contributes to the preservation and promotion of Cross River’s cultural heritage.
It argued that cultural development should not be presented as being in competition with physical development.
“Culture is not the enemy of development,” it stated, stressing that Cross River needs infrastructure, employment, education and healthcare, as well as identity, culture, social cohesion and platforms for positive youth expression.
Tinkoriko further claimed that it had supported more than 500 young people through various interventions over approximately three decades.
According to the group, the interventions included skills acquisition, job placement, scholarships, empowerment programmes, health assistance and humanitarian support.
It said Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage had also maintained a scholarship programme and welfare structure for its members.
The organisation said its contributions had not always received publicity because it had traditionally focused on service rather than self-promotion.
It also claimed that Tinkoriko had contributed to strengthening community relationships while promoting peace and security.
Group speaks on Duke’s legacy
On the issue of legacy, Tinkoriko agreed with the argument that public office is temporary but said Duke understood the importance of building a lasting legacy.
The group described the NDDC board member as someone whose approach was not centred on publicising every intervention.
It said criticism remained important in a democracy but argued that such criticism should be informed by facts and an understanding of institutional responsibilities.
“Let us therefore debate issues with facts, engage institutions with knowledge and demand accountability without deliberately misrepresenting the responsibilities of public office holders,” the statement said.
Tinkoriko said Duke remained committed to using his position, influence and available platforms to contribute to the development of Cross River State, the Niger Delta and the communities he serves.
The group concluded by reaffirming its support for Governor Bassey Otu and President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage has come to stay and will support Governor Bassey Otu and President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 Governorship and Presidential polls,” it said.