Ex-governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Effiong Nyong, has alleged that elections in Cross River State amount to “selection” rather than a true democratic process.
Nyong made the claim in an interview in Calabar, insisting that Cross River still does not enjoy what other states experience as free and credible elections.
“Today in Cross River State, we still do not really have elections. What we see during electioneering is people programming people. We have people selecting people. We witness all manner of things during general elections,” Nyong said.
“This is why we say that we need to reset the situation in Cross River State. We also need to ensure that our public schools are reset.”
Nyong also raised concerns about the state of power infrastructure, recalling that former governor Prof. Ben Ayade constructed a 23-megawatt power plant in Calabar meant to provide round-the-clock electricity to the city and beyond.
He alleged that the current APC-led administration has allowed the plant to deteriorate instead of converting it from diesel to gas.
The ADC chieftain further criticized the government for allegedly prioritizing loyalty, connections, and past affiliations over competence and technical capacity when giving appointments.
He also faulted the Otu-led administration for what he described as undue control over funds meant for local government areas.
“There is no development in the various local government areas because monies meant for them are not spent by the local government administrations,” he claimed.
“Instead, the state coordinates and manages all the funds. Local government chairmen cannot even award simple contracts to cut grass or undertake other basic tasks within their localities.”
According to him, between ₦120 million and ₦150 million is released monthly to each local government, but chairmen must seek state approval before spending the funds.
“What kind of administration is that?” he queried.
Nyong added that the poor state of roads across the state would affect tourism and participation in major events.
“Today, you cannot come into Calabar through any road for tourism or the carnival. Why would people take the stress and risk when what we do in Cross River during Christmas carnival is now being replicated in Akwa Ibom State?” he said.