Cross River at the crossroads: Why continuity under Gov Otu is essential against external capture

Cross River State finds itself at a critical political and economic crossroads, facing the potential for external capture if continuity under Governor Bassey Otu is not maintained. The state has long grappled with the consequences of the Bakassi Peninsula cession and the loss of key oil wells, resulting in fiscal challenges and reduced poverty indicators compared to neighboring regions.

Governor Otu has been focused on recovery, fiscal stabilization and consolidation, reducing domestic debt by over N70 billion and increasing internally generated revenue from N21.1 billion in 2022 to N46.3 billion in 2024. Strategic assets such as Tinapa and nearly N1 billion from Etung Cocoa Estates have been reclaimed, and infrastructure improvements have been made in education, health and tourism sectors.

However, the state continues to face threats from external actors, exemplified by the example of the Rivers State crisis under Governor Nyesom Wike, who expanded borrowing and pursued factional warfare. If Governor Otu were to be subordinated to external political machines, his state's development priorities could be jeopardized, contributing to further deprivation and undermining the state's progress.