By Emmanuel Edok
It is remarkable how quickly people forget both historical milestones and personal experiences. This tendency is illustrated in a recent article by Linus Obogo, Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor of Cross River State. In his commentary, The Ghost of a Vanquished Ambition, Mr. Obogo offers a critical assessment of Prof. Sandy Onor, a political figure whose career has been shaped by both electoral victories and defeats.
Mr. Obogo appears to suggest that Prof. Sandy Onor is driven by bitterness following his defeat in the 2023 governorship election. This assertion raises important questions. What actions or statements justify such a conclusion? Has Mr. Obogo overlooked the occasions when his own principal experienced political setbacks? It is equally noteworthy that he does not mention that his principal also served one term in the Senate, despite repeatedly referring to Prof. Sandy Onor as a “one-term senator.” Such selective emphasis reflects the inconsistency that often characterises partisan political discourse.
Politics is indeed a great leveller. That reality explains why individuals elevated by circumstance sometimes speak without sufficient reflection and write without fully engaging with uncomfortable truths expressed in the public interest. It is against this background that Prof. Sandy Onor’s assertion that Cross River State is being governed by “mediocres” should be examined on its merits rather than dismissed through personal criticism.
In the view of some observers, governance in Cross River State has become increasingly centralised. They argue that several commissioners appear to have limited visibility in the execution of their statutory responsibilities, while other unelected officials are perceived to play increasingly prominent roles in government affairs. Critics also contend that the Commissioner for Information and the Chief Press Secretary, whose responsibilities ordinarily include coordinating government communication, are often seen issuing Executive Council resolutions, appointment notices and rejoinders, while others are more visible in communicating government policies, inspecting projects and representing the administration. Similar observations have been made regarding other ministries, including Aviation and Women Affairs. These perceptions have contributed to public debate over the coordination and effectiveness of governance in the state.
As the incumbent governor, Mr. Obogo’s principal also faces significant governance challenges. Consequently, some citizens have questioned whether the electorate made the right choice during the last governorship election. Some commentators have drawn parallels with the biblical account in which the crowd chose Barabbas instead of Jesus. Whether such a comparison is appropriate is a matter of individual opinion, but it reflects the intensity of public debate surrounding the state’s direction.
The article also gives the impression that Mr. Obogo is focused primarily on defending the administration against criticism rather than engaging directly with the issues raised by its critics. There have also been media reports and public commentary suggesting internal differences within the administration, although the extent and significance of such reports remain open to interpretation.
Meanwhile, Prof. Sandy Onor’s political relevance remains evident. His emergence as the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate and his continued influence within the party have sustained his profile in the state’s political landscape. Senator Mbadiwe’s description of Prof. Onor’s transformation from “a caterpillar in politics to a juggernaut” reflects one assessment of his political evolution.
This is not an attempt to defend Prof. Sandy Onor’s description of the current administration as one run by “mediocres.” Rather, the administration should be assessed on measurable indicators of governance after three years in office. The public must objectively determine whether Prof. Onor’s criticism reflects reasoned concern over the state’s trajectory or merely personal disappointment. That judgment ultimately belongs to the people of Cross River State.
Mr. Obogo also asks who best represents mediocrity between Governor Bassey Otu and Prof. Sandy Onor. Such a comparison requires clearly defined standards. Their records in public office, legislative performance during their respective Senate tenures, educational attainments, administrative competence and integrity should all form part of any objective evaluation. Without such benchmarks, broad assertions amount to little more than political rhetoric.
When political sentiments are set aside, many observers believe Cross River State has experienced significant governance challenges under the present administration. A growing sense of public dissatisfaction has been expressed in some quarters, with concerns that governance has become concentrated within a relatively small circle. Whether this perception is justified will ultimately be determined by the electorate.
Politics is dynamic, and no office is permanent. Today’s leaders may eventually give way to tomorrow’s. It is therefore imperative that public officials embrace accountability, transparency and purposeful leadership. As Cross River State approaches another electoral cycle, the people will once again decide the future they desire. May wisdom, justice and the fear of God guide that choice.
It is noteworthy that some commentators have argued that the Chief Press Secretary has become less visible in the broader communication of government policies than many expected. These commentators suggest that, rather than concentrating on political exchanges, greater attention could be devoted to communicating government achievements and addressing public concerns.
Rather than engaging in personal criticism, Mr. Obogo could focus on responding to the substantive issues raised by critics of the administration and clarifying the government’s position on matters of public interest. Doing so would contribute more meaningfully to informed democratic discourse than exchanges centred on personalities.
The road to 2027 will be challenging and unpredictable. Beyond political affiliations and ethnic sentiments, the electorate will ultimately determine the state’s future. Cross River State cannot afford to drift without a clear vision and purposeful leadership. Allegations relating to public finance, government spending and accountability that have been raised in public discourse deserve transparent responses supported by verifiable information. Addressing such concerns openly would strengthen public confidence and reinforce the principles of accountable governance.
The Holy Bible admonishes us to remove the plank from our own eyes before attempting to remove the speck from another person’s eye. In the same spirit, Linus Obogo should address the issues before him with verifiable facts, credible evidence and logical arguments. Public concerns and allegations circulating in the media and on social media should be addressed through evidence-based responses and transparent communication rather than rhetorical exchanges.
About The Author
Comrade Emmanuel Edok is a Cross Riverian, he writes from Canada.
CAVEAT: Views expressed in this opinion are those of the author and not of Paradise News and, or it staff.
