Cross River Marginalized at Federal Level, No National Recognition — Cletus Obun Laments

Cross River Marginalized at Federal Level, No National Recognition — Cletus Obun Laments

 

 

Former Cross River State House of Assembly member and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Cletus Obun, has expressed deep concern over the continued marginalization of Cross River State in federal appointments and national recognition.

 

Speaking during a meeting with members of the Cross River State Patriotic Front in Abuja, Obun lamented that despite the state’s contributions and representation at the federal level, it remains absent from the top echelons of national politics.

 

Obun, a known social critic and political analyst, declared that “Cross River has no Grade A appointment from the Federal Government and is not even on the negotiation table at Abuja.”

 

He criticized the state’s federal representatives for failing to attract significant benefits or positions for the state, which he said continues to suffer neglect and underdevelopment.

 

He highlighted the intellectual and historical significance of Cross River State, noting its pivotal role in national events, such as the Nigerian Civil War which began in Gakem, Bekwarra LGA. “We paid the price, but we were never compensated,” Obun remarked.

 

He also recalled the influential roles of notable Cross Riverians like Chief Michael Ani, who chaired the 1979 Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO), and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, who was recently drafted to help stabilize Rivers State during political turmoil.

 

Obun lamented the lack of recognition for the state’s founding fathers, including Joseph Wayas and I. I. Murphy, and said Cross River continues to be sidelined despite its rich history and contributions to national development.

 

The APC chieftain criticized past federal appointments given to Cross River under President Muhammadu Buhari, saying they did little to improve the lives of the people. He described the current political leadership in the state as “accidental,” adding that their actions are driven more by greed and personal interest than public service.

 

He also decried the poor state of infrastructure in the state, including the impassable Calabar-Itu Road and the neglected Calabar-Ogoja highway, as well as the continued plundering of the Boki forests.

 

In a passionate call for action, Obun urged the Cross River State Patriotic Front to resist being used by selfish politicians and to stay focused on fighting for the state’s rightful place in Nigeria. He emphasized the need for unity, sacrifice, and a well-articulated development plan, especially in agriculture and other strategic sectors.

 

Hon. Castro Adoga Ezama, Director General of the Patriotic Front, expressed disappointment over the loss of federal positions, notably after the exit of Dr. Betta Edu from office and the subsequent removal of the Women Leader seat, which was not replaced by another Cross Riverian. “These are too many blows for one state,” Ezama said, calling for urgent and coordinated action to change the state’s political fortunes.

 

Beatrice Akpala, Director of Communications of the group, urged political stakeholders in the state, particularly in the northern senatorial district, to prioritize the selection of competent candidates in the 2027 elections to avoid the “colossal mistakes” of 2023.

 

Nkoyo Otu, Deputy Director General of the Front and Special Adviser on Inter-Party Affairs to Governor Bassey Otu, also reaffirmed the group’s resolve to restore Cross River’s political relevance. She credited Obun for mentoring a new generation of critical thinkers and committed leaders in the state.

 

The Cross River State Patriotic Front pledged not to relent in their efforts to reposition the state for future progress and influence at the national level.