Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Ekpenyong Cobham, has stated that Nigeria operates a pseudo-federal system, making engagement with the federal government essential for effective development. He made this remark during a press briefing on Wednesday in Calabar, responding to recent criticisms from Alphonsus Eba, the deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River.
Commissioner Rejects Criticism of Governor's Travels
Mr Cobham accused Mr Eba of lacking understanding of Nigeria's political and administrative dynamics. Mr Eba had earlier claimed that Governor Bassey Otu hardly stayed in the state, a charge the commissioner dismissed as uninformed. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Mr Eba, a former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River, was removed from office earlier this year on allegations of mismanagement of party funds and high-handedness before defecting to the PDP.
The commissioner argued that the governor's travels were necessary for development. He said Mr Eba should engage the government on policies, programmes and measurable achievements rather than what he described as rudimentary political arguments. Mr Cobham challenged the opposition to a public debate, stating that Cross River residents deserved substantive discussions on governance, development and the state's performance.
Allegations of Abuja Influence Dismissed
In response to allegations that the governor frequently travelled to Abuja to negotiate against plans by some persons in Abuja to control the state, Mr Cobham dismissed the claim as false. According to him, Governor Otu is a grassroots politician whose actions have shown commitment to protecting the state's interests.
“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’,” Mr Cobham said. He stated that the government was aware of alleged plans to influence Cross River’s political future but would resist any attempt to subjugate the state.
Payments to Clandestine Groups Denied
The commissioner also dismissed claims that the government paid some clandestine groups monthly to ensure peace in the state. He challenged anyone with evidence of such payments to present it publicly.
On the issue of workers protesting alleged unpaid local government salaries, Mr Cobham said the Local Government Service Commission had clarified that the government did not validly employ the affected persons. “I advise anyone possessing genuine appointment documents to seek redress in court because the government cannot recognise employment contracts it did not authorise,” he said.
Mr Cobham added that the Cross River government remained focused on presenting verifiable achievements to residents, urging political opponents to raise the level of debate through facts and constructive engagement.
