By Joy Umo
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, has urged Cross Riverians to put political affiliation aside and use their votes wisely in the 2027 election to end what he described as the prevailing “season of sorrows” in the state.
Archibong made the call while reacting to the recent fire incident at SPAR Shopping Mall in Calabar and a series of floods, landslides, erosion and other disasters recorded across the state.
He said the incidents had exposed serious weaknesses in the state’s emergency preparedness and response system, warning that inadequate response mechanisms continued to endanger lives, property and investments.
Reacting to the SPAR fire, the PDP candidate expressed concern over the condition of the state fire service and the lack of basic logistics required for effective emergency response.
“Only one fire truck came from the state fire service, and the outdated truck arrived without water because they are operating from an uncompleted building without a functional water reservoir along Mary Slessor. Firefighters even complained of having no diesel to source for water. If this can happen in a state capital, imagine the scenario in other parts of the state,” he said.
Archibong described the incident as a wake up call for the government to urgently strengthen emergency response infrastructure across the state.
“A state that wants to attract businesses and investors must also have the capacity to protect lives, properties and investments when emergencies occur,” he said.
He also recalled recent landslides in Calabar, including the Ikot Anwatim disaster where five people, including four children from the same family, died, as well as another incident at Boro Pit, Satellite Town, which claimed the life of a nine year old child.
He further cited the Diamond Road landslide, which damaged buildings and disrupted access to the NNS Victory area, saying timely government intervention could have prevented some of the damage.
“These were not statistics. They were lives abruptly extinguished and families permanently scarred,” Archibong said.
The PDP candidate said state records documented 674 flood disaster cases in 2023, affecting 142,012 people, 28,287 houses and 25,664 farms across the 18 local government areas.
He questioned what further warning government needed before taking decisive steps to strengthen disaster prevention and response.
Archibong advocated stronger drainage systems, strict enforcement of town planning regulations, proper mapping of risk zones and functional early warning systems.
He also criticised the recurring fire outbreaks across the state, noting that government had previously acknowledged the deteriorating condition of the fire service and announced plans to revive it.
“Disaster response is not a reward for political loyalty. Fire and rescue services are not political settlements,” he said.
Archibong pledged that, if elected governor, his administration would adequately equip emergency agencies with functional vehicles, water, fuel, personnel and other resources required for rapid intervention.
He also promised sustained rehabilitation and support for disaster victims, stressing that government responsibility should extend beyond immediate visits and relief efforts.
“People First must mean more than visiting victims after disaster. It means standing with them until they can rebuild their lives,” he said.
As the 2027 election approaches, Archibong urged Cross Riverians to assess candidates based on competence, accountability and their capacity to protect citizens, rather than party affiliation.
“Do not allow party affiliation to blind you to the reality of how you and your family are living,” he urged.
He said while government might not be able to control rainfall or prevent every disaster, it could anticipate danger, prepare institutions and protect vulnerable communities.
Archibong therefore called on Cross Riverians to use their votes to “end the season of sorrows” and elect a government capable of making the safety, welfare and dignity of citizens a priority.