•Arthur-Javis Archibong and Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Cross River State, Arthur-Javis Archibong, has accepted Governor Bassey Otu’s challenge to a public debate.
Archibong said he was ready to engage Otu in an open debate at any time and venue chosen by the governor, provided Otu would be present in person, reports The PUNCH.
The PDP candidate stated this while speaking with journalists in Calabar on Tuesday, in response to a challenge issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Ekpenyong Cobham.
He said, “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.”
Archibong said he would not engage in a war of words with Cobham, describing the commissioner as his brother but noting that he was not a candidate in the election.
“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 also criticised the Otu administration over what he described as its response to recent crises in the state, including landslides and the fire incident at the SPAR Shopping Mall in Calabar.
He questioned the administration’s frequent foreign trips and signing of Memoranda of Understanding, challenging the government to show how many of the agreements had translated into tangible projects, jobs and economic opportunities for Cross Riverians.
“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.
Archibong expressed sympathy for traders, workers and business owners affected by the SPAR fire, promising that his administration, if elected, would strengthen emergency response and equip the state fire service with water, diesel and other necessary equipment.
He also defended Arthur Jarvis University, which he founded, against recent criticisms, saying the institution had continued to contribute to the state through employment and education.
“All sorts of things have been said about Arthur Jarvis University. Funnily enough, the last I heard of bed bugs was in my childhood when we slept on straw beds,” he said.
Archibong challenged his critics to focus on what he described as more pressing challenges confronting Cross River, including poor sanitation, blocked drainage and inadequate emergency response.
He said Cross Riverians deserved leadership that was present, responsive and accountable.
“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,” he added.
