Gov Otu's SCORECARD - Road Infrastructure Distribution by Senatorial District (May 2023 – April 2026)

The road projects are categorized into

* New Roads Construction

* Rehabilitated Roads

* Dual Carriageways

* Network of Roads

* Security & Institutional Road Interventions

1. Southern Senatorial District

New Roads Construction

Projects classified strictly as new road construction total approximately:

* Adiabo Eseku Road – 8.4km

* Ndon Nwong–Atan Odot–Ekpene Eki Road – 17km

* Okurikang–Obot Oko–Akpap Okoyong Road – 5.23km

* Akani Obio/Ukpahata Road – 3.5km

* Uyanga Ifumkpa/Iko Road – 10km

* Nsan–Oban Road & Bridge – 28.025km

* Several urban streets and link roads in Calabar South and Municipality

Total New Roads:

≈ 99.5km

Rehabilitated Roads

Including rehabilitation and maintenance projects such as:

* Murtala Mohammed Highway & Marian Road – 19.17km

* Parliamentary Extension – 6.6km

* Jonathan Bypass – 6km

* Esuk Utan Road – 2.1km

* UCTH Road – 1.285km

* Oban-Ekang intervention – 5km

* Multiple rehabilitation works within security formations

Total Rehabilitated Roads:

≈ 75.9km

Dual Carriageway

* Adiabo Dual Carriageway – 10km

Total Dual Carriageway:

10km

Network of Roads including:

* Okoro Agbor Network

* Ikot Ekpo Eyo–Esuk Mbat Network

* Ekong Nyong Network

* Otomo & Etinyin Abasi Network

* Lincoln & Ikono Network

* Satellite Town & Nyaghasang Network

* Odukpani Network of Roads

Total Network of Roads:

≈ 58.8km

Security & Institutional Road Interventions

Projects within:

* DSS* Police Barracks *MOPOL * Navy

* State CID * Fire Service * FRSC

* Civil Defence *Air Force Base

* INEC Complex *13 Brigade

Total Security & Institutional Interventions:

≈ 32.1km

2. Central Senatorial District

New Roads Construction including:

* Mkpani–Agoi Road – 5km

* Ofumbongha Road – 12km

* Boki East-West Road – 17km

* Nde 3 Corners–Etanawan Road – 2km

* Multiple Yakurr urban roads

Total New Roads:

≈ 49.9km

Rehabilitated Roads Including:

* Etomi Road – 1.5km

* 4 Corners–Okim Osabor–Bokomo Road – 4km

* Mile 2 Road – 1.5km

* Sweet Mother Street – 1km

* Oche Dore maintenance – 0.75km

Total Rehabilitated Roads:

≈ 8.75km

Dual Carriageway

* None recorded

Total Dual Carriageway:

0km

Network of Roads

* Ikom Network of Roads – 11.4km

* Yakurr Network of Roads – 8.24km

Total Network of Roads:

19.64km

3. Northern Senatorial District

New Roads Construction including:

* Yahe–Wanokom–Wanikade Road – 5km

* Yache–Afilokpa Road – 3km

* Ndok Junction–Mbube Road – 10km

* Mfom Okpoma Road – 25km

* Sankwala Ring Road – 3.5km

* Beyaga–Ketiang Road – 4km

* Sankwala–Kuben Road – 5km

* Several Ogoja township roads

Total New Roads:

≈ 57.2km

Rehabilitated Roads including:

* Ndok Junction–Abakpa–Igoli–Monaya Road – 12km

* GRA/Gomora Roads – 1.015km

* Ishibori–Cathedral Road – 1.9km

* Sankwala–Beyaga Road – 3km

Total Rehabilitated Roads:

≈ 17.9km

Dual Carriageway

* Dualization of Mfom–Okuku–Abuochiche–Obudu Ranch Road

Total Dual Carriageway:

145km

Network of Roads

* Ogoja Network of Roads – 18.35km

* Obanliku Network of Roads – 15.5km

Total Network of Roads:

33.85km

Grand Summary Across the State

Category Southern Central Northern Total

New Roads 99.5km 49.9km 57.2km 206.6km

Rehabilitated Roads 75.9km 8.75km 17.9km 102.55km

Dual Carriageway 10km 0km 145km 155km

Network of Roads 58.8km 19.64km 33.85km 112.29km

Security/Institutional Roads 32.1km 0km 0km 32.1km

Total Road Infrastructure Interventions:

≈ 608.5km

Courtesy: Office of the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Governor of CRS 

Rebuttal to Fake SBM Intelligence Survey on Cross River State

PRESS STATEMENT 27/5/2026

 

By Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information.

The attention of the Government of Cross River State has been drawn to a mischievous and grossly misleading report published by News Week Nigeria (Newsweekng.com) on Tuesday, 26th May, 2026 under the title “Cross River in a state of Collapse”. 

The so‑called survey, allegedly conducted by SBM Intelligence between April and May 2026, ranked Cross River as “the worst place to live in Nigeria.”  

Government categorically rejects this laughable and baseless conclusions about a "World acclaimed tourism destination brand" that is not scientific in proper research standards.

In fact, the credibility of SBM Intelligence is in serious doubt, including the Author of the report in the NewsWeek Nigeria whose lack-lustre performance in the entire Survey, falls short of professional journalism ethical standards.

 More so, the incongruous survey report methodology is fatally flawed. Out of a population of over four million people in Cross River State, only 442 participants in the April and May, 2026 phase and 191 in January 2026, were sampled. This insignificant number cannot, by any credible statistical standard, represent the realities of millions of citizens.

 To extrapolate from such a small sample size is not research but outright reckless sensationalism intended to hoodwink the citizenry at a time Cross Riverians are celebrating the bold rebirth of the State by His Excellency, Governor Bassey Edet Otu in the last three years.

Furthermore, the survey covered only seven States (FCT, Anambra, Bauchi, Kano, Oyo, Rivers, and Cross River), ignoring the majority of Nigeria’s 36 States. Any ranking based on such a narrow scope is inherently biased and unscientific.  

Cross River State under Governor Bassey Edet Otu has made demonstrable progress in key quality of life indicators which were maliciously and deliberately ignored by the report:  

- Safety: The State has consistently remained the most peaceful State and an investors' haven in Nigeria, supporting Security Agencies with Vehicles and other security apparatus which has enhanced the State's seamless Security architecture over time.

- Healthcare: Investments in primary and secondary health facilities have improved access to healthcare Services. All 196 Wards now have more than one Primary Health Centre. Partners have made tremendous impact across Health institutions in the 18 LGAs

- Affordable living: Cost of living remains manageable with the implementation of the new minimum wage for workers as well as the newly introduced social investment schemes for the vulnerable in the society. Cross River State is much better compared to most urban centers irrespective of the growing inflation rate that is not regulated by any State.

- Family stability: There is strong community ties and cultural cohesion among the citizenry that fosters resilience. The people of Cross River are hard working and resilient.

- Education: Reforms in Primary and Secondary schools as well as tertiary institutions have expanded opportunities for the youths. The State Government has consistently paid WAEC fees in the last three years, thus reducing the burden on parents.

- Roads: Several Kilometres of roads have been completed in Calabar, Ugep, Ikom and Ogoja urbans. Many others are on-going. These roads construction and rehabilitation have improved connectivity across the State.

 

- Waste management: Modern systems have been introduced to enhance sanitation and environmental health. Environmental Sanitation is now a lifestyle in the State which is why Calabar Capital City has continued to emerge as the greenest and cleanest City in Nigeria.

- Civil service reforms: Transparent restructuring has strengthened governance and efficiency. The State Civil Service is one of the best in Nigeria.

To describe Cross River as “collapsed” is not only false but an insult to the hardworking citizens who continue to build a better future.

Finally, the Government condemns this publication in the strongest possible terms and urges the public to disregard it as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of our State. The Bold efforts of the present administration are glaring for everyone to see— credible, transparent and visible with verifiable facts and figures.

For those still in doubt about the State current ranking like SBM Intelligence and their collaborators in NewsWeek Nigeria, we invite them to Abuja Continental Hotel (formerly Sheraton Hotel) on Friday, 29th May, 2026 from 11.00am to be part of the celebrations of Governor Bassey Otu's Bold Rebirth of Cross River State in the last three years where they can ask questions and get factual responses.

Cross River remains a land of promise, resilience, and progress. No politically motivated machinations such as this can distract the on-going transformational journey to greatness in Cross River State.

Cross River Govt Issues Quit Notice to UNICROSS Land Encroachers

By Kingsley Agim

The Cross River State Government has issued a stern quit notice to illegal occupants of land belonging to the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), vowing to recover every inch of the encroached property as part of ongoing enforcement efforts.

The government’s position was reinforced following a strong appeal from the university’s management over the escalating encroachment on its land.

The renewed enforcement action followed a fresh inspection of the affected areas led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, Barr. Gilbert Agbor, alongside security officials from the Office of the State Security Adviser.

Agbor said Governor Bassey Otu had directed immediate and decisive action to reclaim all encroached portions of the university’s land, stressing that the administration would not tolerate further illegal occupation of public assets.

“The instruction of His Excellency is very clear; every inch of land that has been encroached upon must be recovered. There will be no compromise,” he declared.

He described the level of encroachment on the UNICROSS property as “massive and embarrassing,” noting that urgent steps were necessary to halt further illegal development.

“The Governor has ordered, effective immediately, the stoppage of all supply routes for building materials into the affected areas as part of measures to enforce compliance and halt ongoing construction activities, he noted, adding that “this directive must be taken seriously.”

Warning further, the Asset Management and Recovery Adviser said: “Government is issuing a clear warning to all illegal occupants: vacate immediately. Government will retrieve every portion of its land, and enforcement will continue until full recovery is achieved.”

He added that a comprehensive operation would follow to ensure total reclamation of the university’s property and prevent future encroachment.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Thomas Ojikpong, described the government’s intervention as timely and reassuring.

“I commend Governor Bassey Otu for his swift response to the worrisome situation. At this point, decisive measures must be taken to reclaim the land for the betterment of the institution and future generations of students,” he remarked.

He said the encroachment had reached alarming levels, posing a serious threat to the university’s expansion plans and academic development.

“We cried out to government because our land has been taken over by intruders, and it is now affecting our ability to expand and implement key academic programmes,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director of Administration and Council Affairs of the university, Mr. Edem Effiong Ekanem, disclosed that recent surveys indicated that nearly 60 percent of the university’s land had already been encroached upon.

He explained that earlier assessments placed the figure between 50 and 52 percent, but noted that the situation had worsened significantly over time.

Ekanem said the land was legally acquired and gazetted by the state government between 1972 and 1974, stressing that ownership was not in dispute.

He added that despite challenges such as tampered beacon markings, the university remained confident of full recovery of its land with government support.

2027: Gov Otu Calls for Unity, Reconciliation as APC Unveils Candidates in Cross River

Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, Friday, called for unity, reconciliation and sustained commitment to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the conclusion of the party’s primaries and unveiling of candidates at the APC Secretariat in Calabar.

Addressing party leaders, aspirants, delegates and supporters shortly after the exercise, the governor described the primaries as a demonstration of democratic maturity and urged members to place the collective interest of the party and the state above personal ambition.

Senator Otu, while thanking party faithful for their steadfast support, said his administration came into office with a clear mission to build enduring institutions and stabilize the state economically and politically. “I did not come to govern North or South. I came to lay a solid foundation for proper economic stability and independence on the sovereign power of the state,” the governor declared. He added that despite prevailing challenges, the administration has made significant progress in several sectors and remains committed to sustaining people-oriented governance.

Reflecting on the just-concluded primaries, the governor acknowledged that managing political ambition remains one of the most difficult aspects of democratic leadership. He commended all aspirants who participated in the contest, particularly those who accepted the outcome in good faith. “The most difficult activity in politics is how to manage human ambition,” he said. “I want to thank all those who fought to the limit and still showed maturity and respect for the party. Leadership positions come at different times for different people, and every one of us has his time.”

The Governor appealed to aggrieved party members not to allow temporary disappointment degenerate into bitterness or division, insisting that the APC possesses adequate internal mechanisms to resolve disputes. “There is no better platform than this party,” he stated. “If there are grievances, the party has the capacity to handle such matters. We will talk together, resolve issues together and continue to move forward together.” He assured stakeholders that no loyal party member would be abandoned, revealing plans to convene meetings with all aspirants after the forthcoming presidential exercise.

In a passionate appeal to younger politicians and emerging leaders, Senator Otu cautioned against desperation and unhealthy political rivalry, urging them instead to patiently understudy the principles and discipline of leadership. “You do not come into politics to become a big man overnight,” he said. “Go and wait for your time. Study the rudiments of politics, remain faithful to the struggle and your opportunity will come.” He warned against dragging supporters into needless political conflicts, stressing that ambition must never supersede the peace and future of the state.

Speaking on governance and continuity, the governor emphasized that his administration is focused on completing projects, strengthening institutions and implementing policies that would endure beyond the present generation. According to him, governance must transcend personalities and be anchored on sustainable systems capable of guaranteeing long-term development. “We want to complete laws, complete bills and establish structures that will guide the future of our generation,” he said. “If we fail to build enduring systems, then we have done nothing.”

Senator Otu also used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and broad political accommodation within the APC family. “There is enough room to accommodate everybody in this party,” he said. “We are willing and ready to work with everyone.” He assured supporters who did not emerge victorious in the primaries that politics is a continuous process and that opportunities for service would still arise in the future. “You have lost nothing,” the Governor declared. “God’s time remains the best, and leadership is ultimately a trust from God and the people.”

On broader national issues, the governor called for continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as a courageous reformer committed to rebuilding Nigeria’s economy and institutions. Acknowledging current economic difficulties facing citizens, Senator Otu maintained that the ongoing reforms were necessary for long-term national recovery. “Nigeria was not built in a day, and no nation develops without sacrifice, organization and discipline,” he stated. He also commended security agencies and the military for their efforts in safeguarding the country and urged them to remain steadfast in the discharge of their duties.

The governor congratulated all successful candidates that emerged from the APC primaries and charged them to approach leadership with humility, accountability and a genuine spirit of service. “You were chosen not because you are better than others, but because the people and God have given you this responsibility for now,” he said. “If you do not account to man, you will account to God.” He urged party members to remain united ahead of future political engagements, expressing confidence that the APC would emerge stronger, more cohesive and better positioned to consolidate development in Cross River State and across Nigeria.

2027: Gov Otu Calls for Unity, Reconciliation as APC Unveils Candidates in Cross River

2027: Gov Otu Calls for Unity, Reconciliation as APC Unveils Candidates in Cross River

Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, Friday, called for unity, reconciliation and sustained commitment to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the conclusion of the party’s primaries and unveiling of candidates at the APC Secretariat in Calabar.

Addressing party leaders, aspirants, delegates and supporters shortly after the exercise, the governor described the primaries as a demonstration of democratic maturity and urged members to place the collective interest of the party and the state above personal ambition.

Senator Otu, while thanking party faithful for their steadfast support, said his administration came into office with a clear mission to build enduring institutions and stabilize the state economically and politically. “I did not come to govern North or South. I came to lay a solid foundation for proper economic stability and independence on the sovereign power of the state,” the governor declared. He added that despite prevailing challenges, the administration has made significant progress in several sectors and remains committed to sustaining people-oriented governance.

Reflecting on the just-concluded primaries, the governor acknowledged that managing political ambition remains one of the most difficult aspects of democratic leadership. He commended all aspirants who participated in the contest, particularly those who accepted the outcome in good faith. “The most difficult activity in politics is how to manage human ambition,” he said. “I want to thank all those who fought to the limit and still showed maturity and respect for the party. Leadership positions come at different times for different people, and every one of us has his time.”

The Governor appealed to aggrieved party members not to allow temporary disappointment degenerate into bitterness or division, insisting that the APC possesses adequate internal mechanisms to resolve disputes. “There is no better platform than this party,” he stated. “If there are grievances, the party has the capacity to handle such matters. We will talk together, resolve issues together and continue to move forward together.” He assured stakeholders that no loyal party member would be abandoned, revealing plans to convene meetings with all aspirants after the forthcoming presidential exercise.

In a passionate appeal to younger politicians and emerging leaders, Senator Otu cautioned against desperation and unhealthy political rivalry, urging them instead to patiently understudy the principles and discipline of leadership. “You do not come into politics to become a big man overnight,” he said. “Go and wait for your time. Study the rudiments of politics, remain faithful to the struggle and your opportunity will come.” He warned against dragging supporters into needless political conflicts, stressing that ambition must never supersede the peace and future of the state.

Speaking on governance and continuity, the governor emphasized that his administration is focused on completing projects, strengthening institutions and implementing policies that would endure beyond the present generation. According to him, governance must transcend personalities and be anchored on sustainable systems capable of guaranteeing long-term development. “We want to complete laws, complete bills and establish structures that will guide the future of our generation,” he said. “If we fail to build enduring systems, then we have done nothing.”

Senator Otu also used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and broad political accommodation within the APC family. “There is enough room to accommodate everybody in this party,” he said. “We are willing and ready to work with everyone.” He assured supporters who did not emerge victorious in the primaries that politics is a continuous process and that opportunities for service would still arise in the future. “You have lost nothing,” the Governor declared. “God’s time remains the best, and leadership is ultimately a trust from God and the people.”

On broader national issues, the governor called for continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as a courageous reformer committed to rebuilding Nigeria’s economy and institutions. Acknowledging current economic difficulties facing citizens, Senator Otu maintained that the ongoing reforms were necessary for long-term national recovery. “Nigeria was not built in a day, and no nation develops without sacrifice, organization and discipline,” he stated. He also commended security agencies and the military for their efforts in safeguarding the country and urged them to remain steadfast in the discharge of their duties.

The governor congratulated all successful candidates that emerged from the APC primaries and charged them to approach leadership with humility, accountability and a genuine spirit of service. “You were chosen not because you are better than others, but because the people and God have given you this responsibility for now,” he said. “If you do not account to man, you will account to God.” He urged party members to remain united ahead of future political engagements, expressing confidence that the APC would emerge stronger, more cohesive and better positioned to consolidate development in Cross River State and across Nigeria.

Primaries: Otu Has Played His Part, Jarigbe Has Shown the Way; Others Must Follow

By Peter Inyali 

With the ruling APC primaries for National and State Assembly seats coming to an end, candidates must realize that the real political battle is only beginning. Beyond the celebrations, thanksgiving services and victory messages lies the more difficult task of reconciliation, consolidation and political survival ahead of 2027. Unfortunately, many candidates still appear to be waiting for Governor Bassey Otu and the party structure to do the heavy lifting for them at a time the leadership itself is battling multiple pressures and distractions.

That is why candidates who emerged from the primaries must quickly learn from what Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has done in Cross River North. Rather than wait endlessly for the party to unite everyone, Jarigbe moved swiftly to stabilize his political environment by bringing many of his former opponents closer. That is the kind of political maturity and urgency others must now embrace if the party hopes to remain strong and united ahead of the general elections.

Elections are not won merely by securing tickets; they are won by building relationships after the contest. Aggrieved aspirants may not immediately forget the bitterness of the primaries, but serious politicians understand that reconciliation is not automatic. It requires deliberate effort, humility and strategic engagement from those who emerged victorious.

Ordinarily, the party should have immediately swung into reconciliation mode after the primaries. But politics does not always move according to ideal expectations. The APC in Cross River is managing several interests and challenges simultaneously. That is why candidates cannot afford to sit back waiting to be spoon-fed politically. Every candidate must begin to mend fences, strengthen alliances and reassure supporters who feel alienated after the primaries. The opposition is not sleeping. It is gradually building momentum, growing in confidence and expanding its support base across the state.

To the aggrieved aspirants, their anger is understandable. Primaries are emotional contests filled with expectations, investments and sacrifices. But at some point, peace must be given a chance. Politics is ultimately about interests, negotiation and survival. Destroying the party structure out of anger may eventually hurt everyone involved, including those currently dissatisfied with the outcome of the primaries.

As for those accusing Governor Bassey Otu of favouring certain aspirants, the truth is that there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. The Governor is a politician before anything else. Every political leader naturally supports people he believes he can trust to protect his vision, political structure and legacy. The real reason many people are angry is not necessarily because some aspirants were favoured, but because they were not the beneficiaries of that support. That may be painful politically, but it is neither new nor unusual in politics anywhere in the world.

The bigger danger now is complacency. The recent court judgment invalidating INEC’s guideline on the submission of digital registers within a specified timeframe by political parties has effectively opened the door for dissatisfied aspirants to defect to other parties and still contest elections. That means the opposition will continue to grow in strength and numbers. While that growth may not necessarily pose a serious threat to the Governor’s reelection, it could become a major problem for other candidates who fail to unite their bases and reconcile aggrieved supporters early enough.

APC candidates across the state must therefore stop waiting for rescue from above and begin to do the hard political work themselves. Sen. Jarigbe has already shown the pathway on how it should be done; reconcile, consolidate and move on. Others should learn quickly, because elections are not won by victorious primaries alone, but by how effectively political wounds are healed afterward.