Otu Running Govt on Nepotism, Has No Signature Project, Cross River Economy Would Be Dead Without Non-Indigenes — Jarvis

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, has accused Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s administration of tribalism, nepotism and poor economic management, claiming the state would have been economically stagnant without the contributions of non-indigenes.

Archibong made the allegations on Thursday in Calabar while addressing journalists at a press conference on the “State of Cross River.”

The founder of Arthur Jarvis University, who has largely remained silent on the administration over the past three years, said he decided to speak out because of what he described as the worsening economic and developmental situation in the state.

According to him, non-indigenous residents and entrepreneurs are playing a major role in sustaining commercial activities across Cross River.

«“If not for the non-indigenes in this state, our economy would have been dead. That’s the truth,” he said.»

Archibong argued that government policies had failed to create sustainable economic opportunities for residents, describing the distribution of vehicles, minibuses and tricycles close to elections as political patronage rather than genuine empowerment.

He alleged that some beneficiaries eventually lose the items after elections, questioning the sustainability of such programmes.

Otu Government Focused on Calabar, Says Archibong

The PDP candidate also accused Governor Otu of concentrating governance in Calabar while paying insufficient attention to other parts of the state.

He claimed the governor spends more time outside Cross River than within the state, alleging that the governor rarely spends more than 10 days in the state in a month.

According to Archibong, the situation has weakened the administration’s connection with communities across the state.

“This Governor runs a government focused only on the state capital,” he said, insisting that “Calabar is not Cross River State.”

He further criticised the administration for what he described as a lack of a major signature project nearly four years into its tenure.

Archibong said much of the government’s attention had been directed towards renovating projects inherited from previous administrations.

While acknowledging the importance of continuity, he questioned whether the administration came into office with a clear development plan of its own.

«“It is really strange to see a government with no signature projects and no plans whatsoever, and here we are, almost at the finish line of its tenure,” he said.»

Local Governments Being “Choked”

Archibong also criticised the state government’s relationship with the 18 local government councils, alleging that their financial resources have been restricted.

He argued that local governments should be empowered to address poverty and drive development at the grassroots, but claimed their ability to function has been undermined.

According to him, the situation remains contrary to the spirit of the Supreme Court’s position on local government autonomy.

Accuses Government of Nepotism

The PDP candidate further alleged that appointments, contracts and access to government opportunities under the Otu administration were influenced by proximity to political power.

He described the alleged imbalance as one of the major shortcomings of the administration.

Archibong also made allegations linking access to government privileges to cult affiliations and loyalty to individuals, asking whether such a system could be regarded as fair and equitable.

Arthur Jarvis University Gets No Government Support

Archibong used his experience as the founder of Arthur Jarvis University to highlight what he described as the poor treatment of private investors in Cross River.

He said the university, which he described as the first private university in the state, had received no financial assistance, infrastructure support or courtesy visit from the Cross River State Government.

He contrasted this with Rivers State, which he said supported Pamo University with an initial ₦500 million grant and annual scholarship opportunities.

“Our private sectors are not supported and are in fact suffocated with over-taxation,” he said.

Archibong Promises Four-Year Tenure

Looking ahead to the governorship election, Archibong said the contest would be about the people of Cross River rather than a conventional battle between political parties.

He also declared that, if elected, he would serve for only four years, in line with what he described as an agreed tenure arrangement for the Cross River South Senatorial District.

The PDP candidate promised to remain within the state, inspect projects personally and tour clans, wards and local government areas.

He also pledged to strengthen local governments, tackle nepotism and focus on sustainable wealth creation rather than political patronage.

“Cross River is a state founded on God,” Archibong said. “I will create wealth to sustain our people, and I will serve and love all the people of Cross River State deeply as Christ leads me.”