Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu has come under serious criticism for his recent comment against the opposition in his state, after he threatened to crush those who are criticising his government and angling to take over power from him in the state.
While in Abuja to present his score card for the past three years, Otu was quoted to have said that the opposition would be crushed. But the opposition PDP in the state is not taking the comment likely.
State publicity secretary of the PDP in Cross River, Mike Ojisi said in a statement obtained on Tuesday by TNN, that the comment was troubling especially coming from a man in such a revered office.
“Indeed, we even hear of diabolic insinuations to the effect that a band of marauders intrinsically associated to the office of the Governor plan to chase, maim, kidnap and even kill PDP leaders and/or their families, if these constructive criticisms do not abate. Such comments, if truly made, reveal an administration that appears more interested in silencing dissent than addressing the genuine concerns of a suffering populace.
“For nearly three years, the people of Cross River State have watched with growing disappointment as the lofty promises that accompanied the coming of the present administration have largely failed to translate into tangible development.
“This is because despite the unprecedented increase in federal allocations accruing to the state, citizens continue to ask legitimate questions about the visible impact of these resources on infrastructure, economic growth, job creation, healthcare delivery, education, and the general welfare of the people.”
Ojisi lamented that instead of responding to questions raised by the opposition, the governor chose to throw caution to the wind with threats. “Rather than providing convincing answers through measurable achievements and commensurate transformational projects, the governor appears to have chosen the path of threats and intimidation.
“This is both regrettable and unacceptable because public office is a sacred trust bestowed by the people, and elected leaders are expected to be accountable to those they serve. Criticism is not a crime, but an indispensable component of democracy. Those who occupy positions of authority must understand that they are answerable to the people and cannot seek refuge in intimidation whenever their performance is subjected to public scrutiny.
“A government that has performed creditably would have no reason to fear criticism, but would proudly point to completed projects, improved living standards, enhanced public services, and visible economic progress. It would also allow its record to speak louder than any political rhetoric.”
He said what the governor ought to have done was to show humility and not brute display of bravado in the face of failure, saying “many Cross Riverians are still searching for the landmark achievements that should justify the enormous resources available to the current administration.
“If indeed the governor is dissatisfied with the growing public criticism, the appropriate response should be introspection and renewed commitment to service, because the proper attitude of a leader confronted by widespread dissatisfaction is humility, not hostility; accountability, not aggression; performance, not persecution; the people deserve explanations, not threats, they deserve development, not intimidation.
“On our part, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains undeterred by any attempt to cow, harass, or silence the opposition, and will continue to perform its constitutional and democratic responsibility as the watchdog of government; we will continue to speak truth to power, expose failures where they exist, champion the interests of ordinary citizens, and demand accountability in the management of public resources.
“No amount of political intimidation can extinguish the voice of the people. No threat can erase the hardship experienced by citizens or conceal the glaring absence of meaningful development. The PDP stands firmly with the people of Cross River State and remains committed to ensuring that the government remains accountable to those who elected it.
“As the state gradually approaches the 2027 general elections, Cross Riverians will have the opportunity to make a decisive choice about the future they desire and the PDP remains convinced that it represents the most credible platform for rescuing the state from its current drift, restoring purposeful governance, reviving economic prosperity, and returning the state to her rightful place as a model of development and progress.
“The road to 2027 will not be paved with threats, intimidation, or political bullying, but will be determined by the verdict of the people, whose voices are stronger than any threat and whose votes remain the ultimate instrument of democratic change. The PDP on her part, will continue to stand with the masses, defend their interests, and work tirelessly toward the restoration of the lost glory of Cross River State.”
