2027: Obanliku Stakeholders Urge Otu to Bar Aspirant Under Probe
By Agbor AGBOR
Concerned stakeholders of Obanliku Local Government Area in Cross River State have called on Governor Bassey Otu to ensure that the integrity-driven reforms of his administration are not undermined in the process of selecting candidates for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of future elections.
The stakeholders urged the Governor to ensure that aspirants, including former member of the dissolved commission, Hon. Bridget Alina, under investigation are not allowed to stand for pending primary election in the party. Bridget is seeking the APC ticket to represent Obanliku in the State House of Assembly.
In an open letter addressed to the Governor, the stakeholders commended his earlier decision to dissolve the Cross River State Local Government Service Commission over allegations of abuse of office, job racketeering, and loss of public trust. They also praised the subsequent constitution of a new commission and the inauguration of an investigative panel, describing the actions as a demonstration of commitment to transparency and institutional reform.
However, the group expressed concern over the alleged political ambition of a former member of the dissolved commission, Hon. Bridget Alina, who is reportedly seeking the APC ticket to represent Obanliku in the State House of Assembly while still under investigation.
The stakeholders alleged that during her tenure, there were claims of financial transactions involving job seekers through intermediaries, under the pretext of employment facilitation. They expressed concern that such allegations, if proven, may have contributed to hardship among residents and eroded public trust in governance.
The letter further raised concerns about the credibility of the ongoing investigation, alleging a possible conflict of interest involving a member and secretary of the investigative panel, Dr. Mrs. M. T. Ikwen, who was reportedly seen publicly endorsing and praising Hon. Alina during stakeholder engagements.
According to the group, such conduct could undermine public confidence in the neutrality of the investigative process.
The stakeholders warned that allowing individuals under active investigation for matters relating to public trust to contest elective positions could contradict the reform agenda of the state government. They stressed that public office should be reserved for individuals whose records demonstrate integrity, competence, and accountability.
While acknowledging the importance of zoning in political representation, the group cautioned that it should not override merit and credibility. They argued that Obanliku has several qualified individuals capable of representing the constituency effectively if the seat is zoned to the Becheve area.
They urged the Governor and the APC leadership to ensure that the investigative panel is allowed to conclude its work independently and that its findings should guide any political or administrative decisions involving affected individuals. They also called for strict neutrality in the panel’s operations to preserve public trust.
The stakeholders concluded by appealing for the APC ticket for Obanliku to be given to individuals of proven integrity, warning that any decision perceived to compromise accountability could affect public confidence in governance.
Reacting, the former member of the dissolved commission, Hon. Bridget Alina, in a telephone interview said the stakeholders are not fair to her because no competent court of law has found fee guilty of corrupt practises.
"Yes, I was in the Commissioner and was given some slots for jobs. I shared the slots among cirtical stakeholders. So, I don't see what I did wrong there. I can tell you I am a committed party woman and have worked for the party. I am qualified to contest to represent my people."
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