By Tony Ademiluyi
Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu says his administration has walked back seven separate policies over the past three years after hearing complaints from residents, positioning citizen feedback as a core pillar of how the state is run.
Speaking through Deputy Governor Peter Odey at the 2026 Political Advocacy Summit in Calabar, the governor’s office described its “People First” approach as more than a campaign slogan. Odey told attendees that democratic power flows from the people, who retain the right to challenge government decisions through petitions, advocacy, and public criticism. He called citizen feedback essential to stable governance.
Among the reversed policies: the creation of a panel to investigate alleged employment racketeering within the Local Government Service Commission, a restructuring of road traffic agency operations, lower fines for traffic offenders, and a pause on intercity motor ticketing. The administration also temporarily halted scrap metal dealing activity, harmonized tax rates for businesses and communities, and introduced free bus rides during festive seasons.
To formalize this feedback process going forward, the state has launched a Public Complaints Office led by a dedicated coordinator, which will work alongside the Ministry of Information to keep communication channels between government and residents open.
“We cannot afford to distance ourselves from the yearnings of our people,” Odey said, adding that the administration views public service as a shared effort with citizens.
Also speaking at the summit was Col. Pam Ogar, a former military administrator of Kwara State, who urged both government officials and the public to pursue more collaborative, solutions-focused dialogue. He pushed back against hostile or abusive public discourse, arguing that criticism should remain constructive and serve the broader interests of the state.
Beatrice Akpala, Special Adviser on Content Development and Archiving, opened the summit by explaining its purpose. The event, themed “The Role of the People in the People’s Government: Institutionalizing the Feedback Mechanism,” was designed to frame citizens as active participants in governance rather than passive observers. She said the new complaints office would help bridge communication gaps and preserve a record of the administration’s work for future reference.
As part of the proceedings, Deputy Governor Odey unveiled a magazine chronicling the government’s achievements over its first three years in office.
