From Musa Muhammad Kutama
The Cross River State Government has dismissed as false and politically motivated, reports alleging controversy during the commissioning of some Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) projects in Calabar.
In a statement on Saturday, the state government said the narratives being circulated in some sections of the media misrepresented facts and were aimed at straining the cordial relationship between the state and the Federal Government.
The clarification followed the commissioning of select NDDC projects in Calabar by the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, penultimate Friday. Projects unveiled included a newly acquired office complex serving as the NDDC Secretariat in the state, agricultural equipment, and a road on Idang Street.
Contrary to reports suggesting tension or disruption at the event, the state government said the ceremony was conducted peacefully and aired live on TVC.
Governor Bassey Otu, who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Pius Ankpo Edet, remains “fully committed to supporting all federal government interventions aimed at improving the lives of Cross River residents,” the statement said.
The government described the circulating claims as “sponsored blackmail” by fifth columnists, insisting that Cross River—being the first APC-controlled state in the South-South—continues to enjoy robust federal support, including key projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Special Agro-Processing Zones, and the National Housing Programme.
A point of contention was the Nyaghasang Community Road, which some reports had listed among the NDDC projects. The state government clarified that the project was initiated and funded solely by the Cross River State Government.
“The Nyaghasang road was not executed by the NDDC,” said Commissioner Edet. “It was planned and is being implemented by the state through the Ministry of Works. NDDC was never formally involved.”
He added that while the NDDC later asphalting parts of the road, it did not initiate the project and had no role in its planning or execution.
Going forward, Edet said, “We’ve advised the NDDC to work more collaboratively by reviewing the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME), aligning with state standards, and engaging the state government before embarking on projects.”
He emphasized that Cross River welcomes development partnerships but insists on transparency and proper coordination to avoid duplication.
“We are not in conflict with the NDDC or any federal agency. But for the sake of public trust, it is important to clarify that there was no disruption at the commissioning,” he added.
Backing the government’s position, the Secretary-General of the Nyaghasang Qua Clan Council, Mr. Iso Bassey Edim, said Governor Otu had promised to fix the road during a health centre commissioning in July 2024.
“True to his word, work began just three weeks later under the supervision of the State Ministry of Works,” he noted.
Edim said while NDDC’s asphalt work was appreciated, it came after the state had already mobilized to site, and the subsequent commissioning attempt by the NDDC caused confusion within the community.
“We urge the NDDC to always coordinate with the state to avoid miscommunication,” he added.
Also speaking, the Mayor of Calabar Municipality, Apostle James Anam, said the road contract had long been awarded by the state government before the NDDC stepped in.
“What we need is synergy, not overlapping claims. Consultation is key,” he said.
