The Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Cross River State Governor, Mr. Edem Darlington, has declared that Governor Bassey Otu has substantially fulfilled the campaign promises that brought him to office, affirming that the administration remains committed to deepening good governance and accelerating development across the state.
Darlington made the assertion during a television programme monitored in Calabar, where he highlighted what he described as the administration’s remarkable achievements across critical sectors, including security, infrastructure, agriculture, transportation, tourism, education, and the recovery of government assets.
According to the governor’s spokesman, strategic investments in security have restored confidence across the state, leading to the return of nightlife in Calabar and attracting investors, healthcare professionals, tourists, and other visitors who had previously stayed away.
He said the revitalisation of the tourism sector was evident in the renewed activities at the Obudu Ranch Resort, noting that the destination now receives visitors every week through organised tour operators and holiday packages.
Darlington further disclosed that the state government had successfully regained control of the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort after settling debts exceeding ₦18 billion, adding that a comprehensive turnaround programme for the facility is expected to commence within the next two months.
He also pointed to significant investments in the aviation sector, stating that the Otu administration had expanded the state’s airline fleet with the acquisition of three additional aircraft.
According to him, construction work at the Obudu Cargo Airport has equally progressed significantly, with the project now over 80 per cent completed.
On human capital development, the governor’s aide said the administration had invested heavily in rehabilitating schools and other dilapidated public infrastructure while also addressing the welfare of civil servants.
He noted that the government had begun clearing the backlog of unpaid retirement gratuities through the release of an initial ₦10 billion tranche, describing the move as part of Governor Otu’s commitment to restoring dignity to retired public servants.
Responding to comments credited to the immediate past Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Mr. Alphonsus Eba, regarding his political influence, Darlington dismissed the claims as lacking substance.
He argued that electoral performance remains the true measure of political relevance, maintaining that Eba’s record during the 2023 general elections did not support his claims.
According to Darlington, despite serving as the state’s APC chairman at the time, Eba failed to deliver victories in his state constituency, federal constituency, and senatorial district.
He also downplayed the significance of Eba’s exit from the APC, insisting that the development had little political impact.
“He left with only one person, which is his Personal Assistant. You respond to people who have political goodwill and political value. Let him show us the results of the 2023 elections,” Darlington said.
The governor’s spokesman maintained that the Otu administration remains focused on consolidating its achievements and delivering more people-centred programmes aimed at improving the socio-economic fortunes of Cross River State.
By Kingsley Agim
