Tension in Cross River as Governor Otu orders disruption of President Tinubu’s Commissioning of Federal Government projects in Calabar By Lawrence Akpan

A wave of political tension and institutional sabotage has erupted in Cross River State as Governor Bassey Otu is being accused of orchestrating a calculated disruption of a Federal Government commissioning event slated for today, May 13,2025 in Calabar, the Cross River State Capital. The incident, involved the destruction of structures prepared for the commissioning of a road projects executed by the Federal Government through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

According to eyewitnesses reports, the Governor, acting through the Calabar South Local Government Chairman, Hon. Patrick Archibong deployed a team of security personnel and heavy-duty machinery, including a caterpillar, to forcibly block the Idang Road, the designated venue for the commissioning of a newly completed federal road project scheduled for 11 a.m.

The move effectively crippled access to the site and disrupted all logistical preparations.

In a brazen act of defiance, the team also dismantled canopies, destroyed the stage, and tore down all erected signage, including large billboards bearing the image of President Tinubu, which had been mounted to honour his administration’s role in facilitating the NDDC projects. The banners and billboards were personally destroyed and removed by Hon Patrick Archibong, the LG Chairman of Calabar South who stated that he was acting on Governor Otu’s directive.

The commissioning event was to be presided over by the Honourable Minister of the Ministry of Regional Development, who was in Calabar as President Tinubu’s official representative.”This act is not only a disrespect to the Presidency but a direct affront to the developmental aspirations of the people of Cross River State,” “These projects were meant to bring hope, relief, and progress to the people. It is tragic that political ego has taken precedence over public good” said the Honourable Minister.

Political analysts view the governor’s actions as a dangerous escalation of state-federal tensions, raising questions about the unity of purpose among leaders within the APC and the broader implications for national development.

As of press time, the Federal Government is yet to issue an official statement, but sources close to the Presidency confirm that the incident is being taken “very seriously” and may prompt urgent intervention.