By Inemesit Friday
The Cross River Elders and Stakeholders Forum has come to the defence of the presidential flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Prof. Sandy Onor, following recent criticisms by members of the Cross River State Consultative Forum.
The group accused some supporters of Governor Bassey Otu of engaging in political attacks against Onor instead of focusing on issues of governance and development in the state.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Dr. Anthony Adie, and Secretary, Mr. Asuquo Bassey, the forum described recent remarks by Dr. Julius Ochim Okputu and Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo as politically motivated and aimed at undermining Onor’s standing in the state’s political landscape.
According to the statement, efforts to assess Onor’s political relevance solely on the basis of the 2023 governorship election ignored his extensive record of public service and electoral achievements.
”It takes an alarming level of political illiteracy to conclude that one electoral setback is sufficient to erase an entire lifetime of political accomplishments, victories, and public service,” the forum stated.
The group maintained that Onor remains one of Cross River State’s most accomplished political figures, having served in several capacities at the local, state, and national levels.
The forum further alleged that the sustained criticism of the former senator was intended to divert public attention from challenges confronting key sectors of the state’s economy.
”Focusing on Sandy Onor is a diversionary tactic intended to shift attention from the deplorable state of the health, education, and infrastructure sectors, where billions of naira have reportedly been spent without corresponding evidence on the ground,” the statement said.
The group challenged members of the Cross River State Consultative Forum to accompany journalists, civil society organisations, and independent observers on an inspection tour of projects showcased during activities marking Governor Otu’s third anniversary in office.
It further challenged Dr. Julius Ochim Okputu to provide Cross Riverians with an update on the Yala Road project being executed by Coastbound Nigeria Limited, alleging that the condition of the road remains unsatisfactory despite government expenditure on the project.
The forum argued that electoral defeats are not uncommon in politics, noting that Governor Otu also experienced setbacks in previous elections before eventually winning the governorship in 2023.
The statement dismissed criticisms of Onor’s relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, insisting that strategic political alliances remain important assets in modern politics and governance.
According to the group, such relationships can attract influence, visibility, and development opportunities that benefit both political leaders and their constituents.
The forum further accused the Otu administration of failing to adequately address challenges including economic hardship, infrastructure deficits, and what it described as growing public dissatisfaction with governance.
It urged government supporters to concentrate on issues of performance and service delivery rather than personal attacks on political opponents.
Describing Onor as a prominent national figure, the group said his leadership credentials, experience, and political profile continue to place him at the forefront of national discourse.
The forum expressed confidence that his emergence as the presidential flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party provides another opportunity for him to demonstrate his commitment to national development and public service.
It concluded by calling on political actors to embrace issue based politics, stressing that history would judge leaders by their contributions to society rather than political rhetoric and personal attacks.