PDP Candidate Accuses Otu of Targeting Opposition

Arthur Jarvi, the governorship candidate for the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, accused the administration of Governor Bassey Otu of a fresh clampdown on opposition figures. Jarvi claimed that the government is targeting his running mate, Alphonsu Ogar Eba, whose residence is located within the Water Board area of Calabar, as part of a demolition exercise.

He warned that further demolitions could occur once the current actions against Eba are completed. Jarvi also criticized the government's tax audit of private universities, asserting that it is an intimidation tactic against opposition politics.

He insisted that the institutions are fully compliant with tax obligations and described the audit as an insult. The Cross River State government denied any political motives behind the demolition, stating that it is part of efforts to rehabilitate the state's water infrastructure, backed by the World Bank, affecting 39 structures built over major underground water pipelines.

Special Adviser to the Governor, Ekpenyong Akiba, emphasized that the exercise is driven by public interest.