A Cross River State official said the state must continue engaging the federal government to secure necessary support and resources [1].
The statement comes amid growing political tension regarding the physical presence of Governor Bassey Otu within the state's borders.
The defense followed criticism from Alphonsus Eba, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy governorship candidate [1]. Eba said that Governor Otu rarely stays in Cross River State, suggesting a lack of local presence in his administration [1].
In response, the spokesperson for Governor Otu said that maintaining a strong relationship with federal authorities is a strategic necessity for the region [1]. The official said that such engagement is required to ensure the state's interests are represented at the national level [2].
This exchange highlights a recurring point of contention in Nigerian regional politics—the balance between local governance and federal lobbying. Opponents often frame frequent travel to the capital as absenteeism, while incumbents describe it as essential diplomacy for securing infrastructure and funding [1].
The administration of Governor Otu has not provided a specific schedule of the governor's movements, but the official said that the benefits of federal engagement outweigh the criticisms of his travel frequency [2].
“It is necessary for Cross River to continue engaging the federal government.”
The dispute reflects a broader struggle between the ruling administration and the PDP opposition in Cross River State. By framing the governor's absences as 'federal engagement,' the administration is attempting to pivot a perceived weakness—lack of visibility—into a strategic strength of national influence.
