By Ita Williams
The Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, on Tuesday took on critics of the state government, demanding evidence to back allegations being made against the administration.
Cobham spoke in Calabar during an unexpected media session with the journalists organised to address what he described as misinformation over recent developments in the state.
The commissioner’s response followed questions from journalists concerning a petition reportedly filed against a critic, Udama and allegations that the state government was behind it.
Cobham dismissed the allegation, saying the petition was initiated by individuals acting in their personal capacities and was not an official action of the government.
“The individuals who initiated the petition acted in their personal capacities, even though they used their official designations for identification,” he said.
He explained that where the state government had cause to initiate such an action, the matter would have come through the appropriate official channels, including the Secretary to the State Government or the Attorney General.
Cobham said the case was already before the court and warned against turning it into a political battle.
“This is not a subject of politics. It is a criminal issue. It is an act of absolute insolence,” he declared.
He challenged supporters of the detained critic to present their case in court and called on Udama to release whatever evidence he might have to substantiate the allegations.
The commissioner said the development had assumed added political significance because preparations for the 2027 elections were gradually taking shape, but maintained that Cross Riverians needed credible information about government’s activities rather than accusations and counter-accusations without supporting evidence.
The Commissioner also criticised opposition politicians and former office holders for attacking the Otu administration, arguing that they should also be prepared to account for their own records in government.
“Political engagement should be centred on policies, programmes, development indices and verifiable achievements, not personal attacks,” he said.
Defending Governor Bassey Otu’s engagements outside Cross River, Cobham said such movements were part of the administration’s strategy to secure federal support, projects and interventions for the state.
He then threw a challenge to opposition politicians, asking them to join the government in a public debate on its performance.
“Let them call once for a debate. Let them try and raise the bar,” Cobham said.
The commissioner also urged the public to pay attention to the state’s efforts to secure recognition as an oil-producing state, saying the matter should form part of the major issues being discussed in the state.
Cobham, who disclosed that he previously operated from the opposition, said he was not against criticism but insisted that critics must be informed and constructive.
He urged them to “educate themselves to the strata” of government operations and avoid “rudimentary arguments.”
On allegations that the state government pays cult groups or cultists to maintain peace, Cobham demanded proof, including the names of alleged beneficiaries, evidence of payment and documents establishing a link with government.
“I can’t speak into what does not exist,” he said. “I am not a Commissioner for Google. I am a Commissioner for facts.”
He maintained that the government would not respond to claims unsupported by evidence and reaffirmed his commitment to regular media engagements aimed at providing accurate information to the public.
