Ukorebi Esien | 4th March 2025
A former Special Adviser on Education to the Cross River State Government, Castro Ezama, has expressed deep concerns over the state's political disunity and its impact on securing federal attention and resources.
In a widely circulated social media post, Ezama speaks on the recent visit of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, alongside Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Governor Udom Emmanuel to the Presidential Villa, where they jointly presented the state's Arise Agenda to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ezama noted that despite Akwa Ibom being a People's Democratic Party (PDP) stronghold, its leaders have set aside political differences to promote the state's development at the national level. He commended the maturity displayed by Senate President Akpabio and his successor, Udom Emmanuel, stating that their ability to collaborate serves as a lesson in unity.
However, he lamented that Cross River State has yet to demonstrate similar cohesion, pointing out that rather than fostering collective progress, the political landscape is dominated by division and in-fighting.
"Our state is the headquarters of illicit gossips and hatred," Ezama wrote. "Small small juju here and there is not even helping matters. Dress well in Calabar and walk past, dem go use mouth destroy you. How do you expect our state to pierce the center and get our due with this growing hatred one for another?"
He further observed that key political figures from Cross River who have access to influential federal power brokers appear reluctant to facilitate opportunities for more Crossriverians. He cited Senate President Akpabio's relationship with prominent Cross River politicians such as Rt. Hon. Orok Duke and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who are currently engaged in a political battle over the state's 2027 Senate race.
Ezama opined that fears of political sabotage have made it difficult for leaders to build a united front that could advance Cross River's interests in Abuja. He drew parallels with the strained relationship between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his perceived opponents in Cross River, as well as past incidents involving Chief Akin Ricketts and his association with former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
The former IPAC chairman argued that Cross Riverians must prioritize unity over personal rivalries if the state is to gain meaningful federal recognition and benefits. He called for a movement to reposition the state at the center of national politics.
"If our unity level is up to 50 percent, then we can try something good for ourselves; else, we will continue to write," he warned.
His call for action has sparked discussions across social and political circles, with many echoing the need for a collective push toward securing Cross River's rightful place at the federal level.
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