2027: “Be Wary of Greek Gifts” – Coalition Warns C’River North Voters
By Judex OKORO and Bassey BASSEY
As the 2027 elections draw closer, party members and voters in Cross River North have been urged to exercise caution and resist inducements disguised as generosity.
The Coalition of Civic Societies on Accountability and Good Governance (CCSAGG), who raised the alarm, warned against what it described as “Greek gifts” from politicians seeking to regain influence despite weak public service records and unfinished projects.
The coalition drew attention to the political activities of former Governor Ben Ayade, who is reportedly positioning for a return to the Senate. Reports of motorcycles, vehicles, and other items being distributed to party executives and ward leaders have heightened concerns about possible vote inducement.
The coalition also highlighted the human cost of abandoned projects, noting that many communities continue to suffer from poor infrastructure, limited economic opportunities, and inadequate public services.
Agabi stated, “If the former governor believes he served with integrity, then providing a full account of his stewardship should not be a concern. The people deserve clarity on roads, schools, healthcare facilities, water supply, and power projects that were funded but remain incomplete.”
Speaking with some journalists in Calabar on Monday the CCSAGG Coordinator, Comrade Agba Vincent Agba, called on residents to prioritise transparency, credible leadership, and verifiable achievements over short-term benefits.
According to Agba, “if the former governor believes he served with integrity, then providing a full account of his stewardship should not be a concern. The people deserve clarity on roads, schools, healthcare facilities, water supply, and power projects that were funded but remain incomplete.”
“This is not about partisan politics,” Agaba said. “It is about the future of Cross River North. Citizens must demand accountability and tangible results from those seeking their votes. Every promise should be backed by real, measurable achievements that improve lives.
"Party members and voters must remain vigilant. Not every gift is free, and not every gesture is without motive. Citizens must scrutinise past records and ensure their votes support sustainable development.”
The Coordinator stressed that the coalition’s message is a call to collective responsibility, stating that “every stakeholder in Cross River North, including voters, community leaders, political actors, and institutions, must ensure that accountability remains non negotiable. Temporary gifts cannot compensate for years of neglect.”
The coalition also urged Governor Bassey Otu to uphold transparency and avoid actions that could undermine public confidence. saying “the governor has a responsibility to protect the integrity of governance. Any attempt to endorse or rehabilitate past leadership without scrutiny could weaken public trust.”
In a strong concluding statement, the coalition called on stakeholders across Cross River North to demand full accountability from former Governor Ayade, saying "he must publicly present a detailed record of his achievements, including completed projects, functional schools, healthcare centres, water supply systems, and power initiatives that have genuinely improved lives. Voters have the right to demand proof. Political handouts cannot replace accountability and real progress.”
Also speaking, Secretary of the Coalition, Comrade Emmanuel Odey, cautioned that such gestures should not distract voters from evaluating past performance. “Political gifts can never replace performance,” he said. “Residents should ask themselves what tangible benefits were delivered during the former administration. Any attempt at political rehabilitation without proper scrutiny must be resisted. The people deserve answers, not handouts.”
The Bekwarra Coordinator of the Coalition, Raymond Agabi, also demanded accountability from the former governor, insisting that his stewardship must be openly assessed.
“From the proposed superhighway and Bakassi Deep Seaport to the Calapharm Pharmaceutical Factory, Obudu Cargo Airport, Rice City, and other agro industrial initiatives, the people have a right to know what has been completed, what remains dormant, and how public funds were utilised.
"Transparency remains the foundation of credible leadership. Stakeholders across Cross River North must insist that every project, every investment, and every contract is accounted for. Accountability is the true test of leadership.”
THE BEAGLE NEWS
