Zoning or Development: Cross River North’s Defining Choice – Prof Imbua

2026-03-27 - 16:23

Prof. Dave Imbua has denied involvement in a document advocating zoning of the Northern Senatorial District ticket to OBO Federal Constituency, calling it “fake” and “mischievous”. He argues that competence, not zoning, delivers progress, citing Obanliku’s development under Governors Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke, contrasting with Senator Ben Ayade’s tenure. Imbua wrote this in an article made public on Friday. He said, “Let me state, without ambiguity, that I have no connection whatsoever with that document. It is entirely fake, deeply condemnable, and clearly the handiwork of confused, fearful, and desperate individuals who, knowing they cannot compete on the basis of performance, have retreated to the tired and divisive rhetoric of zoning. “Their desperation is further exposed by their inability to even spell my name correctly; an elementary error that should, in itself, have alerted discerning minds to the fraudulent nature of their claims. “As a historian, I am guided by the conviction that competence, not contrived arrangements such as zoning, ultimately delivers meaningful progress and development.” Drawing lessons from the state’s recent political history, Imbua recalled that since 1999, Cross River State has had three governors from different senatorial districts. Governor Donald Duke (Southern Senatorial District) transformed Obanliku with projects like the Sankwala Ring Road, Obanliku General Hospital, Bebi Airstrip, and Utanga Safari Lodge. He also initiated the Obudu International Mountain Race, putting Obanliku on the global map. According to him, Governor Liyel Imoke (Central Senatorial District) sustained this momentum, transforming the road to the Ranch and constructing critical rural roads like Basang East Road and Busi Road. He also upgraded health centres and schools, delivering visible dividends of democracy to Obanliku. He expressed the opinion that it was doubtful if the same could be said about their successor. Imbua further said, “It is therefore troubling that some among us, driven by narrow interests, are once again promoting zoning as a panacea, even when it risks recycling failure. “Those who cloak personal ambition in the garb of communal interest must be reminded that history is neither forgetful nor forgiving. As W.E.B. Du Bois warned, it is a tragedy when enlightened individuals and so-called leaders pursue private gains while neglecting the collective good of their people.” Imbua queried whether political choices should be guided by sentiment or competence, urging voters to prioritise merit and accountability over geographical affinity. He emphasised that zoning risks recycling failure, and the people must demand evidence of capacity and commitment to delivering democracy’s dividends. “The choice is clear: sentiment and regression, or merit, competence, and accountability. History is watching, and posterity will judge,” he said.