Group Blasts Otu's Stooges Over Attack on PDP Presidential Candidate
The Cross River Elders and Stakeholders Forum has condemned what it described as an orchestrated attack on the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Prof. Sandy Onor, accusing supporters of Governor Bassey Otu of engaging in propaganda rather than addressing pressing governance issues in the state.
The group specifically faulted recent remarks by Dr. Julius Ochim Okputu and Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo under the banner of the Cross River State Consultative Forum, describing their criticisms of Onor as politically motivated and lacking in substance.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Dr. Anthony Adie, and Secretary, Mr. Asuquo Bassey, the forum alleged that the attacks reflected growing anxiety within the ranks of the state government over what it described as rising public dissatisfaction with the administration's performance.
According to the statement, attempts to diminish Onor's political relevance by focusing on the outcome of the 2023 governorship election ignored his record of electoral victories, public service, and leadership.
"It takes an alarming level of political illiteracy to conclude that one electoral setback is sufficient to erase an entire lifetime of political accomplishments, victories, and public service," the group stated.
The forum maintained that Onor remains one of the most accomplished political figures to emerge from Cross River State, having served in various capacities at the local, state, and national levels.
The group further alleged that the sustained focus on Onor was a deliberate attempt to divert public attention from challenges facing critical sectors of the state economy.
"Focusing on Sandy Onor is a diversionary tactic intended to shift attention from the deplorable state of the health, education, and infrastructure sectors, where billions of naira have reportedly been spent without corresponding evidence on the ground," the statement said.
It challenged members of the Cross River State Consultative Forum to lead journalists, civil society organizations, and independent observers on an inspection of projects showcased during activities marking Governor Otu's third anniversary in office.
"Since Governor Bassey Otu has portrayed himself as an armchair governor who rarely inspects projects to ascertain their quality and authenticity, the forum should assist by conducting the media, independent observers, and civil society groups on a verification tour of projects highlighted during the anniversary celebrations," the group added.
The statement also called on Dr. Okputu to provide Cross Riverians with an update on the Yala Road project , revealing that the condition of the project handle by his company remained unsatisfactory.
It argued that electoral defeats are common in politics, noting that Governor Otu himself experienced setbacks in previous elections before eventually emerging victorious in the 2023 governorship contest.
The group also dismissed criticisms of Onor's relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, insisting that strategic political alliances remain valuable assets in contemporary governance.
According to the forum, such relationships can attract influence, visibility, and development opportunities to the benefit of both political actors and their constituents.
The statement further accused the Otu administration of failing to adequately address key challenges facing the state, including economic difficulties, infrastructure deficits, and growing public dissatisfaction.
It urged government supporters to focus on governance and performance rather than attacks on political opponents.
The forum described Onor as a prominent national figure whose experience, leadership credentials, and political profile continue to place him at the forefront of national discourse.
It expressed confidence that his emergence as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party presents another opportunity for him to demonstrate his commitment to national development and public service.
The group concluded by urging political actors to embrace issue based engagement, insisting that history would ultimately judge leaders by their contributions to society rather than by the rhetoric of their critics.
