The Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has been blamed for the disruption of the commissioning of projects executed by the Federal Government in Calabar, the state capital.
The incident, which happened on June 13, allegedly involved the destruction of structures prepared for the commissioning of road projects executed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The Calabar South Local Government Chairman, Hon. Patrick Archibong, was alleged to have led some people to stop the inauguration of the project amid claims that he was acting on the instructions of Governor Otu.
It was also alleged that the chairman deployed a team of security personnel and heavy-duty machinery, including a caterpillar, to forcibly block the Idang Road, the designated venue for the commissioning of a newly completed federal road project scheduled for that day.
Sources alleged that the move effectively crippled access to the site, and disrupted all logistics prepared for the commissioning of the project.
They accused the team led by chairman of brazenly dismantling canopies, destroying the stage, and tearing down all erected signage, including large billboards bearing the image of President Bola Tinubu, which had been mounted to honour his administration’s role in facilitating the NDDC projects.
The banners and billboards, it was learnt, were destroyed and removed by the LG Chairman on the instruction Governor Otu.
The commissioning event was to be presided over by the Minister of the Ministry of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, who was in Calabar as President Tinubu’s official representative.
“This act is not only a disrespect to the Presidency, but a direct affront to the developmental aspirations of the people of Cross River State.
“These projects were meant to bring hope, relief, and progress to the people. It is tragic that political ego has taken precedence over public good,” the minister was quoted as saying.
Political observers saw the alleged governor’s actions as a dangerous escalation of state-federal tensions, raising questions about the unity of purpose among leaders within the APC and the broader implications for national development.
However, the state government has denied the allegation, saying the incident did not happen in the state, while the Federal Government has not reacted.