The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Javis-Archibong, has accepted a challenge to debate Governor Bassey Otu ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Archibong said he was ready to participate in the debate at any time and venue chosen by the governor, provided Otu would personally attend.
His response followed a challenge issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham.
“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.
Archibong declined to engage Cobham in a verbal exchange, describing the commissioner as his brother.
“Pastor Cobham is my brother. But he is not on the ballot, so I will not join issues with him,” he said.
The PDP candidate also defended Arthur Jarvis University, which he founded in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, against recent criticisms.
“All sorts of things have been said about AJU. Funnily enough, the last I heard of bed bugs was in my childhood when we slept on straw beds,” he said.
He challenged his critics to point to their own contributions to Cross River through employment and business development.
“Before pointing fingers at AJU, they should first point to one business they own where they have employed at least 15 people from this state,” he said.
Archibong said attention should instead be focused on environmental sanitation, drainage and emergency response.
“Instead of chasing imaginary bedbugs in Akpabuyo, they should come and see the real crisis in Watt Market.
“Go there today and see the filth, the stench, the blocked drainages, and traders selling beside refuse. That is the environmental emergency staring us in the face.
“Our firefighters have no diesel. Our fire trucks have no water. And when infernos like the one at SPAR Mall happened, we are left helpless.
“That is where government attention should be, not in spreading lies about a university that is trying to add value,” he said.
On scholarships, he said, “Scholarships are a personal act of service. I will not bring charity to the marketplace just to score cheap political points.”
Archibong urged the commissioner to conduct proper research before making public statements.
He also criticised attacks on his character, saying, “Barefaced lying is alien to the calling of a pastor. If he is truly a pastor and not self-acclaimed, then he should be wary of the God who sees and knows all things.”
On the 2027 election, he said it should be based on performance rather than money, intimidation or violence.
“This election will not be won by attacking institutions that should be supported by government. Arthur Jarvis University is a thriving institution that employs our people and trains our children.
“Instead of support, it is being subjected to unprovoked attacks simply because of politics. That is not how you build a state.”
Archibong also criticised the governor over what he described as his absence during crises, including landslides and the recent fire at SPAR Shopping Mall.
“When landslides claimed lives and destroyed properties, and when fire swept through our businesses like the recent SPAR Mall crisis, the presence of our governor is nowhere to be found,” he said.
He questioned the outcome of the administration’s foreign investment trips and memoranda of understanding.
“Government keeps going out for MoUs, but Cross Riverians are yet to see the dividends.
“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? You cannot be absent at home in the name of chasing investors abroad, while the house is on fire and there is no water to put it out,” he said.
Expressing sympathy for victims of the SPAR fire, he said, “My heart bleeds for every trader, every young worker, and every family whose livelihood went up in flames that morning.
“As a businessman myself, I know the pain of watching years of sweat and sacrifice turn to ashes overnight.”
He promised that an administration led by him would improve emergency response and equip the fire service.
“Under my watch, we will never be caught unprepared again. Emergency response will be fast, equipped, and present.
“We will ensure our fire service has water, has diesel, and has the tools to protect lives and properties within the time of need. No Cross Riverian should ever have to face disaster alone,” he said.
He added that the election should focus on ideas, records and service.
“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.
“Let this contest be about ideas, about track records, and about who is ready to serve and nothing less,” he said.
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