OPINION: GOVERNOR BASSEY OTU: THE PROVERBIAL GOD OF SMALL THINGS
For some reason, I have been quite indifferent to the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu. For three years, I chose to watch this administration from the balcony. However, following the recent SBM Intelligence report published in May 2026, which ranked Cross River State last on nearly every metric measured by the survey, I have decided to leave the balcony and move into the arena.
Tellingly, the SBM Intelligence report surveyed the quality of life in eight states, including the FCT, Abuja, using 442 respondents. Yet, a dispassionate examination of the survey suggests that it is little more than a hatchet job, hurriedly orchestrated by some Abuja-based politicians interested in scheming for power ahead of 2027.
For instance, the survey commenced in April and was concluded in May across eight states of the Federation. This invariably casts serious doubt on its authenticity, as it is nearly impossible to conduct a thorough assessment of the quality of life across eight states and arrive at credible conclusions within such a short period.
While one may not entirely dismiss the report, it is crystal clear that Cross River State was the principal target of the exercise. Unfortunately, much of the data contained therein are either overly vague, grossly exaggerated, or outrightly factitious. For example, it is difficult to accept the assertion that Kano State enjoys safer streets and greater access to childcare than Cross River State. It also smacks of yellow journalism for anyone to suggest that it takes twelve hours to travel from Calabar to Obudu. A simple road trip would have spared the researchers the embarrassment reflected in that claim.
Nevertheless, it remains the prerogative of citizens to constructively criticize government. However, the recent knee-jerk reactions by mostly opposition figures masquerading as overnight patriots leave much to be desired, particularly in the coordinated manner in which their attacks on Governor Otu have been prosecuted. The harsh economic realities and widespread suffering across the country are, in themselves, horrifying enough and require no embellishment through lies, conjecture, or opportunistic propaganda to underscore them. Criticism is most effective when it is anchored on facts, not when it is weaponized for political convenience. Unfortunately, in the desperation to score partisan points, some have chosen to sacrifice objectivity on the altar of political expediency. As citizens, we owe ourselves the duty of separating genuine concerns from manufactured outrage. We must be able to distinguish between constructive criticism aimed at improving governance and coordinated campaigns designed solely to discredit political opponents. Anything short of this does a disservice not only to the government of the day but also to the democratic process itself.
Admittedly, many citizens had hoped to see Governor Bassey Otu commissioning gigantic projects across the state, especially in celebration of his 3rd year in office, however, governance is not always measured by grandiose projects, media optics or sensational headlines– which was Ben Ayade’ style. More often than not, the true impact of leadership is felt in the quiet, seemingly insignificant interventions that touch the everyday lives of ordinary citizens. It is in this regard that Governor Bassey Edet Otu has distinguished himself and earned the appellation: The Proverbial God of Small Things.
Borrowing from Arundhati Roy’s celebrated novel, The God of Small Things, one is reminded that life is often shaped not by monumental events alone, but by the little things that collectively define human existence. Roads in rural communities and streets in urban areas, prompt payment of workers’ salaries, support for small businesses, about 800million Naira provided as grants for 200 youths, rehabilitation of primary healthcare centres, restoration of public confidence in government institutions, agricultural interventions, scholarships for indigent students and WAEC registration, and the deliberate effort to create a peaceful environment for investment may not always dominate newspaper headlines, but they profoundly affect the quality of life of the people.
Governor Otu appears to understand this philosophy. Rather than governing with excessive fanfare, he has largely adopted a measured and understated approach, focusing on stabilizing the state, rebuilding confidence and laying foundations for sustainable growth. In a political climate where many leaders prefer the optics of ribbon-cutting ceremonies to the painstaking task of institutional reforms, such an approach may not always attract immediate applause. Yet, history has shown that enduring legacies are often built through incremental progress rather than dramatic spectacles.
The Otu’s administration inherited significant challenges, ranging from infrastructure deficits to economic constraints and a difficult national economic environment. The removal of fuel subsidy, spiralling inflation and the devaluation of the naira have negatively affected every state in the federation. Against this backdrop, it would be intellectually dishonest to evaluate Cross River State in isolation from the broader national realities. Indeed, while critics focus on what has not been achieved, fairness demands equal attention to what has been accomplished. The ongoing efforts to revitalize agriculture, improve road infrastructure, strengthen tourism, attract investment, support small-scale enterprises and reposition state-owned assets are evidence of an administration attempting to navigate difficult terrain with prudence and caution. Unfortunately, the irony of governance and the Sisyphean weight of leadership, is that citizens often take the “small things” for granted until they disappear. A functioning public service, relative peace and security, accessible healthcare, improved educational opportunities, streets free of pungent smells caused by indiscriminate dumping on waste on roads, and social stability are rarely celebrated with the enthusiasm accorded to mega-projects. Yet these are the very pillars upon which prosperous societies are built.
This is not to suggest that Governor Otu’s administration is beyond criticism. No government is. Constructive criticism remains essential to democratic accountability. Citizens have every right to demand more, expect better and hold their leaders to the highest standards. However, criticism loses its moral force when it is founded on distortion, exaggeration or political expediency.
As Cross River State approaches another electoral cycle, public discourse must rise above propaganda and embrace objectivity. The task before citizens is not merely to amplify criticisms or celebrate achievements, but to honestly assess whether the state is moving forward, however gradually, from where it stood yesterday. Governor Bassey Edet Otu may not fit the mould of the flamboyant political showman. His style may not satisfy those who equate governance with constant media visibility. Yet, there is a compelling argument that his administration has concentrated on the small but significant details that sustain society. And sometimes, as history repeatedly teaches us, the leaders who pay attention to the small things are ultimately remembered for achieving the big things.
(To be Continued)…
Umezulike Desmond-Cruz, writes from Osopong, Obubra Local Government, Cross River State
