By Kelvin Obambon
The Cross River South Consultative Forum (CRSCF) has issued a strongly worded press statement criticizing the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition and its faction known as the “ATAM Congress.” The CRSCF accused the coalition of pursuing a divisive ethnic agenda under the guise of opposition politics aimed at destabilizing the state’s unity and undermining Governor Bassey Otu’s administration.
According to a statement signed by Chairman of the Forum, Hon. Eyo Nsa Ekpo Esq, “the ADC coalition’s tactics are driven by ethnic chauvinism and regional prejudice rather than genuine democratic reform or socioeconomic progress.”
The CRSCF highlighted Governor Otu’s leadership as exemplary, citing significant achievements in infrastructure development, tourism revitalization, and youth empowerment across Cross River State.
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The group emphasized that Governor Otu, a native of the Southern Senatorial District, has fostered unity among all ethnic groups while delivering tangible development, such as investments in Calabar Port, Tinapa, and Obudu Cattle Ranch.
The forum condemned the coalition’s ATAM Congress faction, led by political figures primarily from the Northern and Central Senatorial Districts, including former Governor Liyel Imoke and former Minister Usani Usani, accusing them of attempting to seize power solely based on regional considerations. It accused these political actors of recycling old grievances and using ethnic rhetoric to drive division ahead of the 2027 governorship elections.
Further, the CRSCF questioned the integrity and track record of opposition leaders, calling attention to unaccounted state expenditures during previous administrations, including a $6 million aircraft purchase that was ultimately written off.
The forum urged the coalition to present a credible policy blueprint to rival Governor Otu’s achievements and criticized their silence on critical issues such as tourism development, youth unemployment, and infrastructure growth.
Reaffirming their support for Governor Otu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), the CRSCF called on all Cross River residents across senatorial districts to reject ethnic politics and sustain the unity and progress made under the current administration. The statement warned the opposition to abandon divisive rhetoric and engage constructively or risk alienation by the Cross River electorate ahead of future elections.
