PDP Candidate Accuses Governor of Targeting His University

Arthur Jarvi Archibong, the founder of the Arthur Jarvi University and a governorship candidate for the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, accused Governor Bassey Otu of deploying tax authorities to target his institution. Archibong described this action as politically motivated and capable of crippling education in the region.

He spoke out amid reports of tax officials auditing the university over alleged unpaid tax liabilities. During a press conference in Calabar, Archibong expressed concern over what he termed a clampdown on opposition and criticized the state government for not providing adequate support to the university, which employs 500 people and awards scholarships to 300 students.

He also noted that the university had not received the N500 million grant promised to private universities in the state. In response, the state’s tax commission, represented by Erasmus Ekpang, urged Archibong to comply with tax obligations, stating that tax payments are mandatory for all entities, including opposition members.