When the Cross River State Government held its State Scorecard Anniversary event in Calabar, it was intended to mark a milestone a moment of reflection on the administration’s performance under Governor Bassey Otu.
At the heart of this celebration was Dr. Bong Duke, the Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission, who mounted the podium with poise and praise. His speech, was filled with accolades, nods to achievements, and glowing adjectives that painted Governor Otu as a near-flawless administrator.
But for all the fanfare and feel-good rhetoric, one thing was glaringly missing from Dr. Bong Duke’s address: the truth the full truth.
Yes, Governor Otu has delivered some meaningful results. The rehabilitation of Adiabo Road, abandoned for years, has restored access to once-isolated communities. The revival of the Cross River State Library, long left in darkness, signals a newfound appreciation for intellectual infrastructure.
The commissioning of the new Local Government Service Commission complex is another administrative landmark. He has also increased subventions to the Cross River State University (UNICROSS), giving the institution room to breathe after years of starvation.
Furthermore, civil servants now receive salaries more consistently, and the governor’s demeanor calm, approachable, and deliberate approach has softened the state’s political atmosphere, giving the people hope that, perhaps, this administration will be different.
These are commendable accomplishments and deserve applause. But that’s not all governance is, that’s where Dr. Bong Duke failed the moment and failed the people.
In the spirit of a true planning commissioner, Dr. Duke should have used that stage not only to praise but to present a holistic review of the administration’s progress successes, yes, but also the shortfalls, missteps, and delayed promises.
Instead, he offered what many have come to recognize as political lip eye service praise singing, a speech that massaged, raised, and bruised egos but didn’t provoke thought, spark action, generate feedback, or inspire improvement.
He didn’t mention that some parts of Cross River State, especially outside Calabar, remain in dire need of basic infrastructure, good roads, functioning schools, clean water, and health centers.
He didn’t mention that despite the increase in university subventions, the broader education sector remains underfunded, with primary and secondary schools still struggling with decaying facilities and underpaid teachers.
He didn’t tell the governor that youth unemployment remains dangerously high, and that the job creation plans so far have been vague, inconsistent, or overly reliant on political patronage.
Duke should have raise the issue of ghost projects, half-hearted policy implementation, or the lack of a clear economic blueprint that can drive sustainable development across the state’s senatorial districts.
He also failed to call out the emerging culture of sycophancy in government circles the rising tendency of appointees and political allies to applaud everything, criticize nothing, and aggressively silence dissent.
Interestingly, in several public fora where Dr. Bong Duke has appeared, he constantly claims to like saying things the way they are, without sugarcoating. He insists he is not a politician and will always speak candidly. So, what happened today? Is he afraid ? Why didn’t he speak the truth to power ? If he now chooses to sugarcoat or withhold critical truths, has Duke himself become a politician? These are questions that need answers.
To make this more concrete, consider the potholes that were filled in 2024. These roads have all reopened and deteriorated again even before the rains of 2025 set in. This rapid failure reflects poor workmanship and substandard service delivery by contracted providers. Why didn’t Dr. Duke reference this glaring example of infrastructural decay?
Moreover, civil society organizations have criticized the office of the Chief of Staff for being overfunded relative to other essential departments and state priorities. This raises concerns about budgetary priorities and resource management. The public discourse has highlighted this as a sign of misplaced priorities within the administration.
Additionally, the Cross River State House of Assembly recently summoned a private citizen over disclosures concerning the financial benefits of the Bekwarra House member. This incident has drawn sharp criticism for its implications on freedom of expression and human rights, raising concerns about governmental intolerance to transparency and accountability. Dr. Duke did not touch on these governance and human rights issues, yet they are critical to a comprehensive state assessment.
Cross River is no stranger to this brand of leadership theater. We’ve seen governors come and go with long convoys and short legacies.
We’ve heard promises louder than the bulldozers they send out. We’ve watched projects launched with camera flashes only to be abandoned with eerie silence.
What makes this administration different shouldn’t be praise it should be performance. And performance thrives on truth, not flattery.
Dr. Bong Duke should have told Governor Otu the hard truths. He should have said that true leadership demands self-auditing the kind that doesn’t wait for critics to go viral before admitting gaps.
He should have urged the governor to invest in institutional reforms, not just image management. He should have reminded the administration that social media applause does not translate into economic growth, and that the real scorecard is written in the lives of Cross Riverians not the speeches of political allies.
The governor still has time to chart a bold, inclusive, and impactful course. He has the goodwill, the temperament, and the opportunity. But if he surrounds himself with only cheerleaders, his legacy may end up as another missed opportunity wrapped in pretty headlines.
Governor Otu, your achievements so far are valid. But they are just a beginning. Cross Riverians are not asking for miracles we are asking for sincerity, strategic planning, honest leadership, and results that reach every corner of the state. For that to happen, you must demand truth, not validation—and reward courage, not sycophancy.
Dr. Bong Duke missed his chance to tell you the truth. But this is what he should have said: “You are doing some things right, but there’s still a long way to go, and it will take more than praise to get there.”
History is watching. And history does not remember who was praised. It remembers who performed.
This is not an indictment on Dr. Bong Duke, the Vice Chairman of the Cross River State Planning Commission, or the current administration of Governor Bassey Otu. It is a call for reflection, readjustments, and actions.
Asuquo Cletus Felix, a common man who writes from the trenches.
cletusasuquo039@gmail.com
