2027: ADC Chieftain, Nyong rates Gov. Otu’s performance as ‘below average’

.,…Blames him of running C’River as family business

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Cross River State, Effiong Efa Nyong, has ahead of the forthcoming general election said that cross river is not a family business, that positions should be domiciled only in one family and their cronies, describing the performance of the state government as being “below average.”

He said a situation where the father is the governor the mother is there as the first lady the son now planted to be a house of representatives member, stating that the daughter could be planted for another office is shameful.

He alleged that the state has continued to decline in key sectors including education, sports, tourism and public administration.

Nyong made the remarks on Saturday during an exclusive interview with journalists in Calabar, where he reviewed the state’s governance trajectory and expressed concern over what he called the erosion of Cross River’s past achievements.

According to him, Cross River State, once regarded as a leading hub for quality education in Nigeria, has lost its competitive edge due to years of policy neglect and institutional decline.

“I schooled in Cross River State when people came from different parts of the country because they were certain of getting quality education. Today, can we still say the same? The answer is no,” he said.

He also lamented the collapse of the state’s tourism and sports sectors, recalling the golden era when Rovers Football Club of Calabar was one of Nigeria’s most celebrated teams.

Nyong further argued that despite significant federal allocations and available economic assets, the state had failed to translate resources into visible development outcomes.

“Cross River receives substantial revenue, yet there is little to show in terms of development compared to other states with fewer resources,” he said.

He cited the civil service structure as another area of concern, alleging that political interference had weakened professionalism and efficiency in the state civil service.

“What we have today is a weakened civil service system. Offices are empty, records are poorly managed, and merit has been sacrificed for political loyalty,” he added.

Nyong maintained that the African Democratic Congress remains committed to offering alternative leadership that would restore accountability and development in the state.

He, however, dismissed claims that the ADC was working for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing such allegations as political speculation.

He added that personal relationships among politicians across party lines should not be misinterpreted as political alignment.

Nyong said an ADC-led administration would prioritize reforms in the civil service, education, and sports sectors, while restoring merit, discipline, and institutional efficiency in governance.