The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Cross River State, Arthur Javis, has accepted Governor Bassey Otu’s challenge to an open public debate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The decision followed a debate challenge issued by the Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Ekpenyong Cobham.
Speaking with journalists in Calabar on Tuesday, Javis said he was willing to debate Otu at any time and venue chosen by the governor, provided he attended in person.
“I am willing to honour the challenge to a debate, on one condition: that Governor Bassey Otu will be there in person. The people deserve to hear directly from those seeking to lead them, not from proxies,” the PDP candidate said.
Javis said he would not engage in a war of words with Cobham, describing the commissioner as his brother but noting that he was not a candidate in the election.
“Pastor Cobham is my brother. But he is not on the ballot, so I will not join issues with him,” he said.
The PDP candidate, however, criticised the Otu administration over what he described as its inadequate response to recent crises in the state, including landslides and the fire incident at the SPAR Shopping Mall in Calabar.
He also questioned the administration’s frequent foreign trips and signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), challenging the government to show how many of the agreements had translated into tangible projects, jobs and economic opportunities for Cross Riverians.
“Government keeps going out for MoUs, but Cross Riverians are yet to see the dividends.
“After so many MoUs, show me how many have translated to successful projects that are addressing the pitiful situation of this state. Where are the factories? Where are the jobs? Where is the relief for the ordinary man?” he asked.
Javis expressed sympathy for traders, workers and business owners affected by the SPAR fire, promising that his administration, if elected, would strengthen emergency response and equip the state fire service with water, diesel and other necessary equipment.
He also defended Arthur Jarvis University, which he founded, against recent criticisms, saying the institution had continued to contribute to the state through employment and education.
Javis urged his critics to focus on what he described as more pressing challenges confronting Cross River, including poor sanitation, blocked drainage and inadequate emergency response.
On the 2027 election, he said the contest should be based on ideas, track records and the ability of candidates to deliver rather than money, intimidation or thuggery.
“This election will not be won by attacking institutions that should be supported by government. Arthur Jarvis University is a thriving institution that employs our people and trains our children.
“Instead of support, it is being subjected to unprovoked attacks simply because of politics. That is not how you build a state,” he said.
Javis said Cross Riverians deserved leadership that was present, responsive and accountable.
“Cross River deserves a governor who will not govern from a distance or by proxy.
“Our people deserve leadership that shows up, listens, and delivers. That is the covenant I offer the people of Cross River in 2027,” he added.