Presidency Quickly Intervenes as Governor Otu, Senator Ekpenyong Clash Over NDDC Project in Calabar

Presidency Quickly Intervenes as Governor Otu, Senator Ekpenyong Clash Over NDDC Project in Calabar

 

 

A potentially explosive confrontation between Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong over the commissioning of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) projects in Calabar was defused on Friday, June 13, following a direct intervention from the Presidency.

 

What began as a scheduled inauguration of federal government-funded infrastructure quickly spiraled into chaos, exposing a deepening political rift and turf battle in the state. Allegations of sabotage, conflicting ownership claims, and suspected political maneuvering marred an event meant to celebrate development in the Niger Delta region..

The event, intended to highlight federal development efforts in the state, nearly descended into chaos as protests and vandalism disrupted scheduled activities. Minister of Regional Development, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, along with senior NDDC officials and National Assembly members, had arrived in Calabar to inaugurate several infrastructure projects, including over eight kilometers of newly constructed roads, a new NDDC office complex, and agricultural support facilities.

 

Chaos at Project Sites

The trouble began at the Nyaghasang community road, one of the slated projects, where alleged thugs disrupted the setup by dismantling event infrastructure and pulling down banners. The agitators claimed the road was a Cross River State government initiative, not an NDDC project.

 

Similar incidents occurred at Idang Street and other sites in Calabar South. A billboard bearing the image of President Bola Tinubu was reportedly destroyed. Calabar South Council Chairman, Hon. Patrick Archibong, was seen at the scenes and admitted he was acting on the directive of the state government, which claimed it was not adequately informed about the events.

 

NDDC Says State Was Informed

According to NDDC sources, the state government had been fully briefed on the inauguration plans, including through representatives who attended the 2025 NDDC Budget Conference. A proposed courtesy visit to Governor Otu was declined, with the governor citing his absence from the capital.

 

Presidency Makes Emergency Call

With tensions escalating, a senior official from the Presidency reportedly phoned Governor Otu, urging him to allow the commissioning to proceed. The Governor had expressed concerns about the naming of a street and the valuation of the new NDDC office complex—issues the caller described as unrelated to the purpose of the event.

 

Following the call, Governor Otu ordered his aides and local officials to stand down. The commissioning proceeded at Idang Street, though the Nyaghasang project site remained off-limits due to the lingering dispute.

 

State Government Denies NDDC’s Role

At a press conference later that day, the Cross River State government denied NDDC’s involvement in the Nyaghasang road project. Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Pius Ankpo Edet, stated that the road was awarded and funded by the state, with contractors still working on-site.

“NDDC cannot commission a project it did not build,” Edet said.

The claim was reinforced by Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, the state’s representative on the NDDC board, who alleged that the commission merely asphalted a small section of an already 80% completed road.

 

Residents Dispute State’s Claim

Residents of Nyaghasang tell a different story.

According to them, the road had been abandoned for years, dating back to the late 2000s. Mr. Bassey Ekeng, a community member, said the area was a forgotten slum until the NDDC intervened. He credited Senator Ekpenyong with lobbying for the project during the 2023 general elections.

“Senator Ekpenyong promised to get this road done. He kept that promise. So all this drama now is confusing to us,” Ekeng said.

Many residents echoed his sentiments, saying they don’t care who gets credit—they just want infrastructure. “What we need is development, not division,” said one community elder.

 

Power Struggles Ahead of 2027

Analysts suggest the confrontation may signal a deeper power struggle between Governor Otu’s administration and Senator Ekpenyong. Though Ekpenyong has denied gubernatorial aspirations, speculation is mounting that he could be positioning himself for the 2027 governorship or seeking to maintain control over the Southern Senatorial District.

 

The events in Calabar are being seen by some as an attempt to undermine the senator’s rising political influence by casting doubt on the authenticity of his projects.

 

A Fragile Truce

While Friday’s phone call from the Presidency restored order temporarily, the incident has highlighted fault lines within the state’s political establishment. As Cross River prepares for the next election cycle, stakeholders are urging both state and federal actors to prioritize unity and development.

 

Whether this was a simple misunderstanding or the opening salvo in a much larger political contest, one thing is clear: residents want action—not rivalry.