Why it’s necessary for Cross River to continue engaging federal government – Official

Cross River State officials assert that Nigeria's quasi-federal system necessitates continuous engagement with the federal government for effective development. Commissioner for Information Ekpenyong Cobham stated this during a press briefing in Calabar, responding to recent criticisms leveled by Alphonsus Eba, the deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Cobham accused Eba of misunderstanding Nigeria's political and administrative dynamics, particularly regarding Governor Bassey Otu's frequent travels. The commissioner defended the governor's trips as essential for advancing state interests and challenged the opposition to engage in substantive debates on governance and development rather than what he termed "rudimentary political arguments."

Dismissing claims that the governor traveled to Abuja to counter federal attempts to control the state, Cobham described Governor Otu as a grassroots politician committed to protecting Cross River's interests. He acknowledged the existence of individuals allegedly working to influence the state's political affairs, referring to them as "bourgeoisie compradors" and "political boys," but vowed to resist any attempts at subjugation.

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However, we acknowledge the existence of individuals allegedly working to influence the state’s political affairs. I describe them as ‘bourgeoisie compradors’ and ‘political boys.’

The commissioner also refuted allegations that the state government makes monthly payments to clandestine groups to ensure peace, challenging accusers to present public evidence. Regarding protests over alleged unpaid local government salaries, Cobham clarified that the Local Government Service Commission stated the government did not validly employ the affected individuals. He advised those with genuine appointment documents to seek legal redress.

Cobham concluded by emphasizing the Cross River government's focus on presenting verifiable achievements to residents and urged political opponents to elevate their discourse with facts and constructive engagement, underscoring the necessity of federal interaction for regional progress.

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I advise anyone possessing genuine appointment documents to seek redress in court because the government cannot recognise employment contracts it did not authorise.