The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Cross River State for the 2027 election, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, has vowed not to be an “absentee governor” if elected, saying he will remain present in the state to monitor government activities and address the challenges facing residents.
Archibong made the statement on Thursday during a press conference where he spoke on what he described as the state of affairs in Cross River under the administration of Governor Bassey Otu.
The PDP candidate accused Governor Otu of spending considerable time outside the state, alleging that the governor is hardly in Cross River for more than a few days in a typical month.
Archibong questioned how the governor could adequately understand the challenges facing residents if he was frequently away from the state.
He also accused the Otu administration of concentrating development around Calabar while neglecting other parts of the state, particularly communities in the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts.
“Calabar is not Cross River State. It is only the state capital,” Archibong said, arguing that government attention should extend to all parts of the state.
The PDP candidate also criticised the administration over what he described as inadequate development across the state despite increased federal allocations.
He alleged that the government had not delivered enough major projects capable of transforming the state and accused the administration of focusing largely on projects inherited from previous governments.
Archibong further promised that, if elected governor in 2027, he would serve only one four-year term and remain accessible to the people.
He said his administration would prioritise the development of rural communities, strengthen local governments and ensure that government resources are used for the benefit of residents across the state.
Reacting to the allegations, the governor's Special Adviser and Chief Press Secretary, Linus Obogo, dismissed Archibong's claims.
Obogo said Governor Otu's engagements outside the state were part of efforts to attract investments and development opportunities to Cross River.
He cited the state's recently announced investment package involving major public-private partnership projects, as well as efforts to attract funding for the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport.
According to him, travelling outside the state to meet investors and development partners does not mean the governor is absent from his responsibilities.
The exchange has added to the growing political debate in Cross River as political parties and candidates begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
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