By joshua Veteran Journalists Forum condemns Portrait Peterson’s diatribe against Governor Otu
… Says Otu doing extremely well as Cross River helmsman
The Veteran Journalists Forum in Cross River State has completely condemned the constant, unwarranted attacks on the ‘People-First’ administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu by a public affairs commentator, Portrait Peterson.
The forum, in a statement, jointly signed by Mr. Charles Eniang, Dr Eniang Ndem, Mr Samuel Egbala, Mr Eyoeyo Asuquo, Mr Emma Akpong, and Mr Anietie Ben, wondered why Portrait Peterson chose to use the social media platform to undermine and disparage a widely acclaimed top-performing governor, whose achievements are visible for everyone to see.
In a statement, the group said: “Our attention has been drawn to the public outburst by one Portrait Paterson that appeared in the social media alleging various acts of mal-administration against the governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu. It is not our intention to join issues with him nor to do public relations stunt for the government, but as independent assessors, we are well disposed, make bold and submit as follows:
“That the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Sen. Prince Bassey Otu has done satisfactorily well within his three years in the saddle as Governor of the state and we will not fold our hands and watch any agent of destruction set a snare to run him down.
“Judging from the position that the state was at its lowest ebb when he took over, the Governor has turned around the affairs of governance and has successfully lifted the state from the position of despondency to the position of viable social, political and economic significance.
“It is on record that when the Governor took over the mantle of leadership, he expressed his commitment not to probe his predecessor but to build on the areas of need for the people of the state. Consequently, Governor Otu intensified efforts at clearing refuse heaps that littered the landscape of the state and Calabar the state capital in particular.
“We recall the desilting of the Watt market which was blocked and overflooded, thereby providing space and a cleaner environment for business in the market. Credit must be given to the Governor for cultivation of aesthetic values of the environment and corporate institutions that have provided a reasonable framework for good governance. We therefore wish to remind Paterson that not only has the governor developed the strategic public places especially the botanical garden in Calabar but that the governor has equally built a new governor’s lodge in Ogoja and other projects. It is also on record that the government is putting in so much effort to develop the Obudu cargo airport to boost tourism. Paterson singled out one road in Ikom for condemnation but has failed to appreciate the Governor’s efforts toward the rehabilitation of mass road infrastructure across the three senatorial districts. Mention should also be made of the acquisition of two additional aircrafts to boost operational efficiency of Cally Air/ Value Jet for the improvement of our aviation industry.”
The forum further stated that “The attention of Paterson and his cohorts should be drawn to the zero tolerance to insecurity in the state, thereby curtailing activities of kidnapping and banditry in the state. Indeed, within the period, the success of governance has relied heavily on the ability of Governor Bassey Otu to guarantee safety of its citizens, realizing that democratic governance does not thrive in an atmosphere of fear, violence and insecurity. It is therefore misleading for Paterson to say that Governor Otu has not done anything in the state for the benefit of the people. It beats our imagination that Paterson is firing his salvo in the wrong direction. The Governor, as we know, is focused on implementing his People First agenda, which draws strength from popular sovereignty.”