By: Joe Ephraim, Calabàr
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Javis Archibong, has accepted the challenge to a public debate with Governor Bassey Otu ahead of the 2027 governorship election, daring the governor to face him “anytime and at any venue.”
Archibong, who spoke with journalists in Calabar, said he was ready to participate in the debate proposed by the state Commissioner for Information, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, provided Otu would appear in person.
“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,” he said.
The PDP candidate, however, declined to engage Cobham in a war of words, describing the commissioner as his brother and insisting that he was not his political opponent.
“Pastor Cobham is my brother. But he is not on the ballot, so I will not join issues with him,” Archibong said.
The opposition candidate also took a swipe at the state government over its recent criticisms of Arthur Jarvis University (AJU), a private university founded by him in Akpabuyo Local Government Area.
Archibong dismissed allegations against the institution as politically motivated, challenging his critics to show evidence of their contributions to the state.
“All sorts of things have been said about AJU. Funnily enough, the last I heard of bedbugs was in my childhood when we slept on straw beds,” he said.
He challenged those attacking the university to identify businesses they own that have created jobs for Cross Riverians.
“Before pointing fingers at AJU, they should first point to one business they own where they have employed at least 15 people from this state,” he said.
Archibong redirected attention to what he described as more pressing challenges confronting residents, particularly the condition of Watt Market in Calabar.
“Instead of chasing imaginary bedbugs in Akpabuyo, they should come and see the real crisis in Watt Market. Go there today and see the filth, the stench, the blocked drainages and traders selling beside refuse.
“That is the environmental emergency staring us in the face,” he said.
He also accused the state government of failing to adequately equip the fire service, citing the recent fire outbreak at SPAR Shopping Mall in Calabar.
“Our firefighters have no diesel. Our fire trucks have no water. And when infernos like the one at SPAR Mall happen, we are left helpless.
“That is where government attention should be, not in spreading lies about a university that is trying to add value,” he said.
On scholarships, Archibong said his support for education had never been driven by political considerations, insisting that helping students was a personal commitment.
“Scholarships are a personal act of service. I will not bring charity to the marketplace just to score cheap political points,” he said.
He further challenged Cobham to verify his claims by speaking with beneficiaries of his interventions in Akpabuyo, Bakassi and other communities.
Archibong also questioned the commissioner’s conduct as a cleric and government official, urging him to uphold what he described as the values of truth and integrity.
Turning to the 2027 election, the PDP candidate declared that the contest would be determined by voters rather than money, intimidation or violence.
“This election will not be won by attacking institutions that should be supported by government.
“Arthur Jarvis University is a thriving institution that employs our people and trains our children. Instead of support, it is being subjected to unprovoked attacks simply because of politics. That is not how you build a state,” he said.
Archibong also accused the Otu administration of being largely absent during major crises in the state, citing recent landslides and the SPAR Mall fire.
“When landslides claimed lives and destroyed properties, and when fire swept through our businesses like the recent SPAR Mall crisis, the presence of our governor is nowhere to be found,” he alleged.
He questioned the economic benefits of the governor’s numerous trips and memoranda of understanding (MoUs), challenging the administration to show tangible projects resulting from them.
“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?
“You cannot be absent at home in the name of chasing investors abroad, while the house is on fire and there is no water to put it out,” he said.
Reacting to the SPAR Mall fire, Archibong expressed sympathy for traders, workers and families affected by the incident, saying his experience as a businessman enabled him to appreciate the losses suffered.
“My heart bleeds for every trader, every young worker and every family whose livelihood went up in flames that morning.
“As a businessman myself, I know the pain of watching years of sweat and sacrifice turn to ashes overnight,” he said.
Archibong promised that, if elected governor, his administration would overhaul emergency response in the state and ensure that the fire service was adequately equipped.
“Under my watch, we will never be caught unprepared again. Emergency response will be fast, equipped and present.
“We will ensure our fire service has water, diesel and the tools to protect lives and properties within the time of need. No Cross Riverian should ever have to face disaster alone,” he said.
He said the 2027 election should ultimately be a contest of ideas, records and capacity to govern.
“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.
“Let this contest be about ideas, about track records and about who is ready to serve, and nothing less,” Archibong said.
