…Claims APC-led Govt Underperforming
By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
Ace broadcaster and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Dr. Effiong Nyong, has described the performance of the All Progressives Congress, APC-led administration in Cross River State as “below average.”
He insisted that under the APC-led government, the state continues to decline across key sectors, including education, sports, tourism and public administration.
Nyong levelled the allegation while speaking at the just concluded ADC state congress which took place at Danic Hotel on Sunday in Calabar.
Reviewing the stride made by current APC-led government in Cross River State, Nyong expressed concern over what he described as “erosion of Cross River’s past glory.”
He said that Cross River State, which was once regarded as a leading hub for quality education in Nigeria, has lost its competitive edge due to years of policy neglect and institutional decline.
He added, “I schooled in Cross River State when people came from different parts of the country because they were certain of getting quality education.
“Today, can we still say the same? The answer is no.”
Lamenting the collapse of the state’s tourism and sports sectors, he recalled the golden era when Calabar Rovers Football Club was one of Nigeria’s most celebrated teams in Nigeria.
Nyong argued that despite humongous federal allocations and available economic assets, Cross River State failed woefully in translating resources into visible development outcomes.
He added, “Cross River receives substantial revenue, yet there is little to show in terms of development, compared to neighbouring states of Abia and Ebonyi, which have fewer resources.”
The ADC chieftain cited the civil service structure as another area of concern, alleging that political interference had weakened professionalism and efficiency in governance.
The governorship aspirant said, “What we have today is a weakened civil service system.
“Offices are empty, records are poorly managed and merit has been sacrificed for political loyalty.”
The ace broadcaster, who was a former General Manager of Sparkling FM, Calabar, linked youth restiveness and insecurity to the neglect of critical sectors, such as education, sports and employment generation.
He averred that the ADC is coming to right the wrongs committed by the APC-led government in Cross River State, adding that his party was not ready to negotiate with anyone to trade the ambition of his party.
He stressed that ADC remains committed to offering alternative leadership that would restore accountability and development in the state.
Nyong dismissed claims that the ADC was working for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing such allegations as “political speculation.”
He added that personal relationships among politicians across party lines should not be misinterpreted as political alignment.
Nyong maintained that an ADC administration would prioritize reforms in the civil service, education, and sports sectors, with a focus on restoring merit, discipline and institutional efficiency in governance.
