The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Cross River State, Arthur-Javis Archibong, has accepted Governor Bassey Otu’s invitation to a public debate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Archibong said he was prepared to face the governor in an open debate at any venue and time selected by Otu, but insisted that the governor must personally attend.
The PDP candidate made his position known while speaking with journalists in Calabar on Tuesday, following a debate challenge issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Ekpenyong Cobham.
Archibong said Cross River voters deserved an opportunity to hear directly from the two leading contenders rather than through representatives or political appointees.
“I am willing to honour the challenge to a debate, on one condition: that Governor Bassey Otu will be there in person. The people deserve to hear directly from those seeking to lead them, not from proxies,” he said.
He, however, ruled out engaging in a public exchange with Cobham, describing the commissioner as a brother but pointing out that he would not be contesting the governorship election.
“Pastor Cobham is my brother. But he is not on the ballot, so I will not join issues with him,” Archibong said.
The PDP candidate also used the opportunity to criticise the Otu administration over its handling of recent challenges in the state, including the landslide incidents and the fire outbreak at the SPAR Shopping Mall in Calabar.
He questioned the government’s frequent foreign trips and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding, demanding evidence of the benefits such agreements had brought to residents.
According to Archibong, Cross Riverians should be able to see concrete outcomes from the numerous agreements entered into by the government, particularly in the areas of job creation, industrial development and economic growth.
“Government keeps going out for MoUs, but Cross Riverians are yet to see the dividends,” he said.
“After so many MoUs, show me how many have translated to successful projects that are addressing the pitiful situation of this state. Where are the factories? Where are the jobs? Where is the relief for the ordinary man?”
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Archibong also expressed sympathy for traders, workers and business owners affected by the SPAR shopping mall fire.
He promised that, if elected governor, his administration would strengthen the state’s emergency response system and provide the fire service with adequate water, diesel and other essential equipment.
The governorship hopeful further defended Arthur Jarvis University, which he founded, against criticisms surrounding the institution.
“All sorts of things have been said about Arthur Jarvis University. Funnily enough, the last I heard of bed bugs was in my childhood when we slept on straw beds,” he said.
Archibong urged political opponents to focus on what he described as pressing challenges facing the state, including poor sanitation, blocked drainage systems and inadequate emergency response capacity.
He said the 2027 election should provide Cross Riverians with an opportunity to assess the records, plans and capacity of the candidates seeking to govern the state.
“Cross River deserves a governor who will not govern from a distance or by proxy. Our people deserve leadership that shows up, listens, and delivers. That is the covenant I offer the people of Cross River in 2027,” he said.