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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Cross River State Government says it will not be derailed by criticism as it pushes ahead with development across the state.
Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, gave the assurance when he received members of the Neighbour to Neighbour advocacy group at the Government House in Calabar.
Odey said the administration of Governor Bassey Otu remains focused on delivering tangible projects and improving the welfare of Cross Riverians, despite what he described as “uninformed commentaries” from media pundits and critics.
“We are not distracted. This government is focused on serving the people, transforming the state and improving lives,”Odey declared.
“There will always be commentaries, some informed, some not. But we will remain focused on what is visible on the ground.”
The Deputy Governor said the Otu administration is simultaneously executing projects across the state’s three senatorial districts — a move he described as proof of its commitment to balanced and inclusive development.
He acknowledged the difficult revenue situation, particularly the limited allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC.
But he stressed that despite the funding gaps, Governor Otu has continued to invest heavily in critical infrastructure and key sectors of the economy.
Odey also confirmed that major projects inherited from previous administrations have not been abandoned.
He listed the Obudu Cargo Airport, Obudu Ranch Resort, the Calabar International Convention Centre, CICC, Tinapa Business Resort, and the State Industrial Hub in Calabar as projects still receiving government attention and urged the Neighbour to Neighbour team to play a responsible role in bridging the gap between government and the people.
He charged them to amplify the administration’s achievements objectively, report developments as they find them, and present facts without exaggeration.
Earlier, the Director-General of Neighbour to Neighbour, Dr. Bobby Ekpenyong, said the group was on a statewide advocacy tour to engage rural communities and promote awareness of government policies.
He described the organization as a grassroots platform designed to take government closer to the people “neighbour to neighbour.”
Ekpenyong commended Governor Otu for his commitment to grassroots development and for executing projects across the state.
