By Abasi Ita
The Cross River state government has dismissed claims circulating on social media suggesting that the Bakassi Deep Seaport project has been compromised, describing them as misleading and unfounded.
In a statement released on Monday, the Office of the Chief of Staff to the Governor clarified that neither the Chief of Staff, Hon. Chief Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar, nor any other stakeholders have taken actions that could undermine the project’s credibility or progress. The statement was issued in response to allegations attributed to Austyn Ibok.
The office described the claims as “misleading, unfounded, and largely speculative” and urged the public to disregard such narratives. According to the statement, the Bakassi Deep Seaport remains a top developmental priority for both the Cross River State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The project is designed to boost maritime trade, stimulate industrial growth, create employment opportunities, and position Cross River State as a major logistics and commercial hub. The statement also refuted reports of insecurity in Bakassi Local Government Area, affirming that the area continues to attract investors and stakeholders due to its strategic location and economic potential.
The Office of the Chief of Staff specifically criticised Austyn Ibok, describing him as “a known mercantilist with a penchant for falsehood,” and accused him of attempting to undermine the project for personal gain. The statement warned against spreading misinformation and reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and the timely completion of the project.
The Senior Special Assistant on Political Affairs to the Chief of Staff, Dunamis Archibong who signed the statement, emphasized that all authorities and stakeholders remain fully dedicated to ensuring the successful realisation of the Bakassi Deep Seaport.
The clarification comes amid heightened public interest in the project, which is widely seen as a transformative infrastructure development capable of reshaping Cross River State’s economic landscape.