Inside Bassey Otu’s Three-Year Drive To Rebuild Cross River
By JULIET EKANEM
A Midterm Assessment of the Administration
GOVERNOR Bassey Otu’s administration has presented its first three years in office as a period focused on rebuilding public institutions, restoring critical infrastructure and expanding economic opportunities under its “People First” development agenda.
The administration assumed office in May 2023 amid reports of mounting public debt, abandoned projects, declining internally generated revenue and weakened public institutions.
Government officials maintain that these inherited challenges shaped policy priorities over the last three years.
Rather than concentrating solely on new capital projects, the administration says it pursued simultaneous investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing, agriculture and institutional reforms.
Rebuilding Public Assets & Services
Several abandoned projects have been revived during the period under review.
The remodelling of the State Library into a modern facility and the completion of the Local Government Service Commission Complex represent some of the institutional projects highlighted by government officials.
Road construction and rehabilitation have also continued across urban and rural communities as part of efforts to improve transportation and economic connectivity.
The administration has equally prioritised healthcare through the rehabilitation of more than 100 primary healthcare centres while expanding hospital infrastructure in different parts of the state.
Investing in People & Productivity
Human capital development has featured prominently in government programmes.
Thousands of students benefited from government-sponsored WAEC registration over three consecutive years, reducing examination costs for many households.
Agriculture also received increased policy attention through mechanisation programmes, improved seedlings and support for farmers aimed at strengthening food production and rural incomes.
Small businesses benefited from dedicated loan schemes and direct empowerment grants designed to stimulate entrepreneurship and job creation.
Housing development formed another component of the administration’s strategy, with completed housing units, ongoing construction projects and a larger civil servants’ housing programme currently underway.
Economic Recovery & Tourism
The administration has also focused on recovering public assets considered critical to economic development.
One of the most notable examples is the successful reclamation of Tinapa Resort from AMCON.
Officials argue that restoring ownership of the tourism asset creates opportunities for private investment, employment generation and increased tourism activity.
The government has also intensified efforts to improve internally generated revenue while implementing broader public sector reforms aimed at strengthening fiscal sustainability.
Stakeholders Endorse Administration’s Direction
The governor’s third anniversary attracted endorsements from several political, professional and business stakeholders.
Former Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba described Otu’s leadership as inclusive and credited the administration with promoting stability and restoring public confidence.
Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe pointed to investments in roads and security infrastructure as major achievements that have improved mobility and public safety.
The Cross River Businessmen’s Forum similarly praised the administration’s economic reforms and infrastructure investments, arguing that they have contributed to a more conducive business environment.
Media Inspection & Official Response to Critics
Following an inspection of selected government projects, officials of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone F, reported visible progress across infrastructure, tourism and institutional development.
According to the journalists, the inspection offered firsthand insight into projects already completed and others still under implementation.
Government advisers have also defended the administration against criticism, arguing that political narratives surrounding governance should be evaluated against completed projects, policy reforms and measurable development outcomes.
They contend that improvements in healthcare, education, agriculture, security, rural electrification and asset recovery demonstrate an administration focused on long-term state rebuilding.
Looking Beyond Three Years
As Governor Otu enters the final phase of his first term, expectations remain high regarding the completion of ongoing projects and the sustainability of current reforms.
While supporters describe the administration as laying the foundations for economic renewal, the broader assessment of its legacy will depend on whether current investments translate into lasting improvements in public services, employment generation, private investment and overall quality of life for Cross River residents.
