Cross River clarifies NDDC project inauguration, says no disruption occurred

The Cross River State Government has debunked misleading reports surrounding the inauguration of select projects by the Niger Delta Development Commission in Calabar.

In a statement issued on Friday by Governor Bassey Otu’s media aide, Nsa Gill, he refuted the claim that the event was disrupted, and emphasised that the governor remains steadfast in his support for federal projects that enhance development across the state.

The inauguration, which took place on Friday, was presided over by the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, who unveiled several projects including a new office complex now serving as the NDDC State Secretariat, agricultural equipment intended for rural farmers, and a road rehabilitation project on Idang Street.

“The Governor was ably represented by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ankpo P. Edet.

There was no disruption of any kind, certainly not by the Governor or any official from the state.

“The cordial relationship between Cross River and the Federal Government remains intact and unshakeable by any sponsored falsehood,” the statement added.

One of the talking points that appears to have fuelled the controversy was the Nyaghasang Community Road, which was listed among the NDDC projects for commissioning.

According to state officials, this particular road was not initiated by the NDDC but by the Cross River State Government.

The Commissioner for Works, Ankpo Edet also explained that the Nyaghasang road was initiated and funded solely by the Cross River State Government.

“We have completed the drainage and concrete works, as well as the channelisation.

“Construction is still ongoing.”

He noted that the NDDC was neither consulted nor involved in the project’s planning and warned that moving forward, intervention agencies must liaise more closely with state authorities to ensure coherence.

“The NDDC has been advised to engage with the state, review the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME), and comply with state construction standards,” he said.

The sentiment was also echoed in the statement by Iso Edim, Secretary-General of the Nyaghasang Qua Clan Council.

According to Edim, the state government had pledged to rehabilitate the community’s roads during the inauguration of a local health centre in July 2024, and work had commenced just three weeks later.

“While the state project was ongoing, the NDDC unexpectedly asphalted parts of the same road and proceeded to announce an inauguration ,” Edim said, describing the move as confusing.

He urged the NDDC to “align and synergise” with the state to prevent duplication and public misunderstanding.

Adding weight to the state government’s account, the Mayor of Calabar Municipality, Apostle James Anam, also confirmed that the project had been awarded by the state and was already underway prior to any NDDC involvement. “Constructive collaboration is what we need now.

“No agency should claim projects without due consultation,” Anam said.

Despite the fracas, the state government reiterated that it remains open to partnerships that will deliver benefits to residents, but insisted that all interventions must be transparent and coordinated.

“We are not in conflict with the NDDC or any federal agency.

“But for the sake of public accountability and historical accuracy, we must state clearly that the inauguration was peaceful, and the Nyaghasang road was never a project initiated by the NDDC,” the statement concluded.

PUNCH

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