Netizens Slam Gov Otu Over Early Christmas Decoration In Calabar, Say Misplaced Priority

By Missang Akpet

Cross Riverians on social media have criticized Governor Bassey Otu over the early decoration of Calabar, the state capital, with colourful lights ahead of the 2026 Calabar Christmas Festival.

A viral post by an X user @CrossRiverVine stating that "Cross River State Government has begun decorating the state capital with colourful lights ahead of 2026 Calabar festival" had hailed the Governor for the early preparation.

But many netizens faulted the move, accusing the administration of prioritizing festival celebration over the real needs of the people.

One user, @imbushsikcian wrote: "As headquarters of Christmas na…..even in Bethlehem in Judea preparations for Christmas hasn't even started….people are hungry with poor infrastructure you are busy decorating the town. Misplaced priorities!"

Another user, @afkskkk, replied: "The state is still owing gratuities to people who worked for 35 years in government since 2015"

@RSpotless1985 asked: "Decorations over road maintenance?"

@immqcu01 said: "Of course when you talk about cross river, you only mean Calabar. Every other place can stay in hell."

The critics argued that with economic hardship, poor infrastructure, and unpaid entitlements, the government should focus on more pressing issues than early Christmas lights.

The Calabar Carnival, tagged Africa's Biggest Street Party, usually holds in December and attracts thousands of tourists to the state.

Preparations for the annual festival started early this year with the regular decoration of the city starting as early as early October protecting a bigger and better festival this year.