CALABAR, NIGERIA – The Cross River State Government has condemned what it termed a “false narrative” surrounding the commissioning of NDDC projects in Calabar, warning that the misinformation risks eroding public trust and fueling political tension in the state.
In a press release issued by Nsa Gill, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bassey Edet Otu, the government dismissed claims of disruption during the NDDC’s commissioning of projects, including the Idang Street Road, agricultural equipment, and a new NDDC office complex as “politically motivated and factually incorrect.”
Commissioner for Works, Hon. Pius Ankpo, said the event went peacefully and clarified that the contentious Nyaghasang Community Road was not an NDDC project. “The road was initiated and funded by the state government. NDDC did not consult or coordinate with us before intervening,” he said.
He warned that such unilateral actions could undermine transparency, distort facts, and trigger duplication of efforts, potentially wasting resources. “Going forward, the NDDC must liaise with us, review BEME, and comply with our construction standards,” Ankpo stressed.
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Public response to the controversy has been sharp. Nkoyo Nsa, who claimed to be present at the event, countered the state’s narrative: “Many people were injured, and phones were seized to stop people from filming the chaos,” she alleged on Facebook.
The lack of coordination between federal and state actors has exposed deeper cracks in governance. Civic voices online lament the growing politicization of development, with some blaming supporters for stirring rivalry between Governor Otu and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong.
“This embarrassing fight for credit helps no one,” Emmanuel Ekanem wrote. “It only hurts the citizens who have waited over a decade for this road.”
Further complicating the matter, local historian Alobo Ishmael noted the road was initiated under former Governor Liyel Imoke, then abandoned by his successor. Residents endured over 13 years of neglect, until NDDC’s recent intervention.
Senator Ekpenyong was praised by some for fulfilling a campaign promise by completing the road this year. “Let credit be given where due,” a resident wrote. “This fight for relevance is petty. We just want development.”
However, critics argue that the NDDC’s failure to engage the state government weakened accountability. “When agencies sidestep coordination, it confuses the public, undermines planning, and jeopardizes long-term development goals,” said policy analyst Ini Bassey.
Despite the state’s reassurances, the incident underscores a critical gap in infrastructure governance. Without clear communication and aligned responsibilities, political rivalry may continue to override the needs of Cross River’s citizens.
Hon. Ankpo reaffirmed the state’s commitment to development partnerships, stating: “We are not in conflict with any agency. We simply demand that processes be followed for the good of our people.”
As calls grow for unity and cooperation, many residents believe that only genuine collaboration, not competition can deliver the progress Cross River urgently needs.