Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, has dismissed claims that the state’s absence from the latest list of ambassadorial nominees reflects weak federal presence.
Speaking at the Cross River Journalist Forum, CROSSJOF, Day of Unveiling of the Panorama in Abuja on Tuesday, Otu insisted that all federal appointments remain at the discretion of the President and must be understood within proper statutory and political contexts.
The governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media, Abuja, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche, was responding to earlier claims by a former Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Ntufam Hilliard Eta, that the state’s political and economic fortunes were dwindling under the current administration.
Otu cautioned against what he termed “uncharitable insinuations” that the state is being sidelined due to lack of efforts.
He explained that out of the 32 ambassadorial nominees announced, a large portion were career diplomats drawn mainly from the Nigerian Intelligence Agency.
“So, let nobody tell you it is for lack of effort,” he said, noting that many vacancies in federal boards and agencies remain unfilled nationwide.
He also accused some Cross River elites in Abuja of undermining the governor’s efforts.
“A house divided against itself cannot stand. We have individuals working tirelessly against the state’s interest, even instigating crises back home,” he said.
Otu highlighted strides made under his administration, citing the rehabilitation of key infrastructure such as the Cross River State Library, Parade Ground Hall, and the revival of Carnival Calabar’s sponsorship by major brands.
Projects like the revitalisation of TINAPA and ongoing upgrades of general hospitals and health centres demonstrate, he said, that “Cross River State is on the move.”
He noted that the state has recorded a 106 per cent rise in internally generated revenue, IGR, and remains Nigeria’s most media-friendly state.
“Hold us to account; we are not afraid of scrutiny,” he said, assuring that his administration remains committed to sustainable development and would have a “resounding return in 2027” based on ongoing reforms.
Earlier, the Chairman, Governing Board of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Eta, had raised strong concerns over what he describes as the “weakest state” of Cross River’s economic and political relevance in recent history, urging citizens and leaders to embrace accountability and bold actions to reverse the decline.
According to him, the state is grappling with deepening poverty, shrinking opportunities, and an absence of entrepreneurial growth despite receiving significantly higher revenues in recent years.
He said “Cross River has never been as weak as it is today,” noting that while national revenues have increased, the state’s economy has remained stagnant.
Eta who is also a former All Progressives Congress, APC, National Vice Chairman, expressed surprise at claims of declining internally generated revenue but said his recent visit to Calabar confirmed widespread hardship and lack of economic opportunities.
He argued that building a new generation of entrepreneurs in Cross River requires an intentional shift from the long-standing dependence on the civil service.
“Our young people must see personal development outside politics and the civil service. But it is the political leadership that must create the enabling environment for this to happen,” he said.
He insisted that Cross River’s challenges are worsened by failure to hold leaders accountable.
“Ask anyone here how much Cross River received last month, even journalists may not know. In the last two years and nine months, the state has earned more than it did in the entire eight years of the previous administration, yet development does not reflect it,” he said.
Eta also criticised what he termed the state’s diminishing national relevance, citing the recent list of ambassadorial nominees, which featured no candidate from Cross River.
“We have 36 states and more than 36 ambassadors, yet Cross River was not considered. That tells you how we are viewed in Nigeria today,” he asserted.
He further lamented that the state has not produced a head of any major federal agency in years, describing the trend as “a political tragedy” fuelled by silence and complacency. He shared his own experience, noting that despite being appointed Chairman of the Governing Board of a federal parastatal nearly a year ago, he has yet to be inaugurated.
“Nigerian politics does not reward gentility. If you stay silent, others will act as though you do not exist. We have been too gentle, too docile, too unengaged as Cross Riverians,” he stated.
He urged citizens to step out of their comfort zones, speak up, and challenge political exclusion.
“If we must create an environment where the next generation can thrive, whether in business or national leadership, then we must abandon certain habits and confront issues boldly,” he said.
On his part, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen John Owan Eno, called on young Cross Riverians to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship, urging them to shape the economic future of the state and Nigeria.
Eno, who delivered a keynote address through his Special Adviser, Ms Emeh Bassey, emphasized the dual role of journalists in informing the public and holding institutions accountable.
“Journalism is not merely a production; it is a public trust that informs, enlightens, questions, and strengthens the social fabric of a nation,” he said.
He commended Nigerian journalists for their resilience and courage in uncovering facts despite challenges.
Eno described Cross River’s unique cultural, creative, and natural resources as a fertile ground for enterprise.
He stressed that the fast-changing global economy, technological disruption, and emerging sectors like renewable energy, agritech, tourism tech, and digital services demand problem solvers and innovation-driven entrepreneurs.
“Traditional career paths alone cannot absorb the aspirations of our young people. The next generation of business leaders will not come from inherited structures, but from those who can innovate, adapt, and collaborate,” he said.
He urged journalists to spotlight young entrepreneurs and celebrate enterprise to inspire the next generation.
“What happens in Cross River does not stay in Cross River. Innovation here has a ripple effect across Nigeria,” he added.
Eno encouraged youths to start small, dream big, and seize the opportunities before them, affirming that Cross River and Nigeria are ready for a new wave of innovation and enterprise.
The Forum used the occasion to confer an Award Excellence on the Senator representing Cross River North, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, an award designed to encourage lawmakers from Cross River State who have distinguished themselves in quality performance, effective and meaningful representation of their respective constituencies at the National Assembly.
