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Vows to equip fire service
Cross River PDP governorship candidate Sir Arthur Javis Archibong says the Saturday inferno at SPAR Shopping Mall in Calabar exposed the state’s lack of readiness to respond to emergencies.
Archibong lamented the losses suffered by business owners and workers and blamed the situation on ill-equipped emergency services.
“My heart bleeds for every trader, every young worker, and every family whose livelihood went up in flames that morning. As a businessman myself, I know the pain of watching years of sweat and sacrifice turn to ashes overnight,” he said.
He accused the APC administration of abandoning critical services while chasing foreign investments.
“Our firefighters have no diesel. Our fire trucks have no water. And when infernos like the one at Spar Mall happened, we are left helpless.
“You cannot be absent at home in the name of chasing investors abroad, while the house is on fire and there is no water to put it out.”
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He questioned the value of the numerous Memoranda of Understanding signed by the government.
“After so many MoUs, show me how many have translated to successful projects. Where are the factories? Where are the jobs? Where is the relief for the ordinary man?”, he queried.
The PDP gubernatorial candidate pledged to change the narrative under his watch when elected governor by protecting lives and property.
“Under my watch, we will never be caught unprepared again. Emergency response will be fast, equipped, and present. We will ensure our fire service has water, has diesel, and has the tools to protect lives and properties.”
He also tackled recent attacks on Arthur Jarvis University, AJU, describing them as political distractions.
On the call for a debate, Archibong said he was ready to engage Governor Otu directly on his performance record and not his aides.
