Analyst Questions Viability of Cross River’s Electric Vehicle Initiative Amid Power Challenges
A public affairs analyst, Dr. Joseph Odok, has questioned the Cross River State Government’s investment in electric vehicles, arguing that the initiative may struggle to achieve its objectives in the face of persistent electricity challenges affecting public institutions and residents across the state.
Odok made the remarks in a post on his Facebook page, Friday, where he expressed concern over what he described as a disconnect between the state’s current energy realities and its push towards electric mobility. According to him, government resources should be directed towards improving power supply in critical sectors before embarking on large-scale investments in electric vehicles.
“Governor Bassey Otu is driving a CRS economy that makes for an electric SUV parked beside a hospital that can’t run an incubator at night. This makes the policy look unserious,” Odok wrote.
The analyst noted that many public health facilities and educational institutions continue to grapple with inadequate electricity supply, a situation he said raises questions about the sustainability of an electric vehicle programme in the state.
“A government that has failed to provide workable power for its institutions will waste money buying electric vehicles? I know the many people that die in our hospitals because of lack of solar or electricity power. Our State-owned University lacks electricity and citizens hardly have a feeling of light in CRS. What power will feed the EV?” he queried.
Odok further urged citizens and government supporters to engage in constructive policy discussions rather than offer uncritical support for government initiatives.
“People should help the government think and stop this sycophancy,” he stated.
Describing the electric vehicle programme as a misplaced priority, the analyst argued that the initiative could become unsustainable if the supporting infrastructure is not first strengthened.
“Gov Otu’s purchase of electric vehicles is waste of money and bound to fail. I hate what I don’t like especially when our lean resources are wasted on photo-ops,” he added.
The comments come amid ongoing efforts by the Cross River State Government to promote clean energy solutions and modern transportation through the introduction of electric vehicles. While supporters of the initiative see it as a step towards innovation and environmental sustainability, Odok’s remarks highlight concerns among some observers about infrastructure readiness and the prioritization of public spending.
