Otu Reversed Seven Policies After Public Feedback in Three Years, Deputy Governor Says

The Cross River State Government says it has reversed seven major policies and administrative decisions over the past three years following complaints and feedback from residents, underscoring what it describes as a commitment to responsive and people-centred governance.

Deputy Governor Peter Odey, who represented Governor Bassey Otu at the 2026 Political Advocacy Summit in Calabar, said the administration's "People First" agenda was designed to ensure that citizens' voices directly influence government decisions rather than serve as a political slogan.

Speaking on the theme, "The Role of the People in the People's Government: Institutionalising the Feedback Mechanism," Odey said public participation, petitions and constructive criticism have become integral to policymaking in the state.

"In a democracy, the people give power through the ballot, and they also have the right to hold government accountable through petition, advocacy and criticism," he said.

"Feedback is the superstructure that stabilises governance."

According to him, the government has demonstrated its willingness to review and reverse policies whenever they no longer reflect the interests or welfare of the people.

Among the measures reversed or modified were the establishment of a panel to investigate alleged employment racketeering in the Local Government Service Commission, the restructuring of the operations of the state's road traffic agency, reductions in fines imposed on traffic offenders and the temporary suspension of inter-city motor park ticketing.

The administration also temporarily suspended the activities of scrap metal dealers following public concerns, reviewed tax collection through tax harmonisation measures affecting businesses and communities, and introduced free bus services during festive periods to ease transportation costs for residents.

Odey said these decisions reflected the administration's belief that governance should remain flexible and responsive to legitimate public concerns.

To strengthen communication between government and residents, he disclosed that the state has established the Cross River State Public Complaints Office, headed by a state coordinator.

The office will work alongside the Ministry of Information to receive, process and monitor complaints and policy feedback from members of the public.

"We cannot afford to distance ourselves from the yearnings of our people," Odey said.

"We are pleased to serve because together we can serve Cross River State better."

Delivering the keynote address, former Military Administrator of Kwara State, Col. Pam Ogar (retd.), called for stronger collaboration between government and citizens, saying sustainable development depends on continuous dialogue and shared responsibility.

He urged residents and advocacy groups to embrace constructive engagement rather than inflammatory public discourse.

According to him, criticism remains essential in a democracy but should be driven by facts and aimed at producing solutions that benefit society.

Earlier, the Special Adviser on Content Development and Archiving, Beatrice Akpala, said the summit was organised to institutionalise citizens' participation in governance and strengthen the relationship between government and the public.

She explained that the Public Complaints Office was created to bridge communication gaps, improve accountability and preserve the state's governance records for future generations.

As part of activities marking the summit, the deputy governor unveiled a commemorative magazine highlighting key projects and achievements recorded by the Otu administration during its first three years in office.

Governor Bassey Otu's administration has repeatedly promoted its "People First" agenda as the guiding philosophy of governance in Cross River State. The initiative places emphasis on citizen engagement, infrastructure development, economic reforms and public service delivery, with the government increasingly relying on structured feedback channels to review policies and improve decision-making.