…Says election should be about scorecard, performance
By Ike Uchechukwu, Calabar
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Javis-Archibong, has accepted the challenge to debate Governor Bassey Otu ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Archibong, who spoke with journalists in Calabar on Tuesday, said he was prepared to participate in the debate at any time and venue chosen by the governor, provided Otu would attend personally.
His response followed a challenge issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham.
“I am willing to honour the challenge to a debate, on one condition: that Governor Bassey Otu will be there in person.
“The people deserve to hear directly from those seeking to lead them, not from proxies,” he said.
Archibong said he would not engage in a verbal exchange with Cobham, whom he described as his brother.
“Pastor Cobham is my brother. But he is not on the ballot, so I will not join issues with him,” he said.
The PDP candidate said the 2027 election should be determined by the performance and track records of candidates rather than money, intimidation or violence.
He also defended Arthur Jarvis University (AJU), the private university he established in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, against recent criticisms.
Archibong said the institution was established to contribute to the development of Cross River and would not be distracted by what he described as unfounded allegations.
He challenged critics of the university to demonstrate their own contributions to the state, particularly through employment and business development.
“Before pointing fingers at AJU, they should first point to one business they own where they have employed at least 15 people from this state,” he said.
The PDP candidate urged the government to focus on pressing challenges confronting the state, including environmental sanitation, drainage and emergency response.
He cited conditions at Watt Market, alleging that poor sanitation, blocked drainage channels and inadequate emergency services required urgent attention.
“Our firefighters have no diesel. Our fire trucks have no water. And when infernos like the one at SPAR Mall happened, we are left helpless.
“That is where government attention should be, not in spreading lies about a university that is trying to add value,” he said.
On scholarships, Archibong said supporting education had been a personal commitment and should not be reduced to political propaganda.
“Scholarships are a personal act of service. I will not bring charity to the marketplace just to score cheap political points,” he said.
He also criticised what he described as personal attacks by the Commissioner for Information, urging him to verify information before making public statements.
Archibong further questioned the economic impact of investment trips and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) undertaken by the state government, saying residents were yet to see sufficient tangible results.
“Government keeps going out for MoUs, but Cross Riverians are yet to see the dividends.
“After so many MoUs, show me how many have translated to successful projects that are addressing the pitiful situation of this state.
“Where are the factories? Where are the jobs? Where is the relief for the ordinary man?” he asked.
The PDP candidate also expressed sympathy for traders, workers and families affected by the recent fire at SPAR Shopping Mall in Calabar.
“My heart bleeds for every trader, every young worker, and every family whose livelihood went up in flames that morning.
“As a businessman myself, I know the pain of watching years of sweat and sacrifice turn to ashes overnight,” he said.
Archibong pledged that, if elected, his administration would strengthen emergency response and provide the state fire service with the equipment and resources needed to respond to disasters.
“Under my watch, we will never be caught unprepared again. Emergency response will be fast, equipped, and present.
“We will ensure our fire service has water, has diesel, and has the tools to protect lives and properties within the time of need,” he said.
He also criticised the Otu administration over what he described as inadequate government presence during crises, citing landslides and the recent SPAR Mall fire.
Archibong said Cross Riverians deserved leadership that was accessible, accountable and responsive to their needs.
“Cross River deserves a governor who will not govern from a distance or by proxy.
“Our people deserve leadership that shows up, listens, and delivers. That is the covenant I offer the people of Cross River in 2027.
“Let this contest be about ideas, about track records, and about who is ready to serve and nothing less,” he added.
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