Which Cross River Governor Gave Yala the Most Projects – Comparing Donald Duke, Liyel Imoke, Ben Ayade, and Bassey Otu

If you are from Yala Local Government Area, you have likely asked this question at one political gathering or another. You have heard supporters of different governors shout about “legacy projects.” You have seen campaign posters promising roads, electricity, and water. But after the elections, after the sworn-in ceremonies, after the photographers have gone home — what actually remains on the ground in Yala?

As a senior journalist at Akahi News, I have travelled across Yala — from Okuku, Okpoma, Yehel (Yahe), Igede, Ukelle etc. I have spoken with community elders, youth leaders, and traditional rulers. I have seen the projects that changed lives and the structures that now stand abandoned.

This article compares four Cross River State governors: Donald Duke (1999–2007), Liyel Imoke (2007–2015), Ben Ayade (2015–2023), and Bassey Otu (2023–present). We will look at roads, electricity, water, agriculture, education, and community development — all through the lens of Yala LGA.

Rhetorical question: Which of these governors truly remembered Yala when they were sharing the state’s resources?

Let us go on this journey together. And by the end, you will be the one answering that question at your next village meeting.

The Governors at a Glance – Who Governed When

Before we dive into projects, let us establish the timeline so you understand the political context.

Donald Duke (1999–2007): Eight years. The Tinapa man. The tourism governor. Many Cross Riverians remember him for transforming Calabar into a destination. But what did he do for Yala?

Liyel Imoke (2007–2015): Eight years. Former federal minister. Known for community-driven development and rural water projects. His approach was different from Duke’s — less flashy, more grassroots.

Ben Ayade (2015–2023): Eight years. The professor. Known for ambitious projects — the Deep Seaport, the Superhighway, garment factories, and rice pyramids. But did these ambitions reach Yala?

Bassey Otu (2023–present): Currently serving. The “People First” governor. Early signs suggest a focus on completing abandoned projects and rural electrification.

Rhetorical question: Eight years each is a long time. Long enough to build schools, hospitals, roads, and electricity. Long enough to transform a local government. So why does Yala still lack so much?

The answer may lie in political calculations and the simple fact that votes from rural areas are often taken for granted. Let me show you what each governor delivered based on public records and observable evidence.

Donald Duke (1999–2007) – The Visionary Who Focused on Calabar

Let me be honest with you. When we asked elders in Yala about Donald Duke’s projects, most struggled to name anything substantial. That silence tells a story.

Donald Duke’s legacy in Cross River is undeniable — but it is concentrated in Calabar and the Central Senatorial District. He built Tinapa. He transformed the Obudu Ranch Resort into an international tourist destination. He made Calabar the cleanest city in Nigeria.

But for Yala? For the northern senatorial district? Very little.

What Yala received under Duke based on public accounts:

• Some feeder roads that were graded but not fully asphalted
• Construction of a few primary school blocks under federal education programmes
• Water boreholes in selected communities, many of which are no longer functional

Rhetorical question: If Duke could spend billions on Tinapa and the Obudu Ranch, why could he not allocate a fair portion of that budget to develop Yala’s road network?

The answer is not simple. Duke is from the South (Calabar). His political base was there. But leaders are expected to serve everyone, not just their home area.

I recall interviewing a retired teacher in Okpoma who told me: “Under Duke, we saw Calabar become a wonder. But here in Yala? Same dusty roads. Same darkness. Same lack of water. It was as if we did not exist.”

That is the painful assessment. Duke gets credit for state-level vision. But Yala-specific projects? Almost none.

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Liyel Imoke (2007–2015) – The Community Development Governor

If Duke was about big, flashy projects in Calabar, Liyel Imoke took a different approach. His administration prioritised community-driven development — projects initiated by communities themselves, with funding from the state and development partners.

This approach benefited Yala more than Duke’s did, according to community feedback gathered by Akahi News over the years.

What Yala received under Imoke based on public information:

Community and Social Development Projects

Under Imoke, the Cross River State Community and Social Development Agency disbursed funds to communities across the state. Several communities in Yala LGA — including Utukpo, Okpenehi, and Ujama — benefited from this programme.

What did this money do? It funded micro-projects chosen by the communities themselves — boreholes, rural roads, market stalls, and health centre renovations. The approach was bottom-up, not top-down.

Irrigation Support for Yala Farmers

Yala is a predominantly rice-growing community. Imoke recognised this. During his tenure, there was consistent attention to irrigation projects in Yala Local Government Area, recognising the agricultural potential of the region.

This irrigation support was designed to help rice farming — the economic backbone of Yala. Farmers could now cultivate during dry season, increasing yield and income.

Water Supply Schemes

Imoke’s administration also supported water schemes across the state. While not all of these reached Yala, the irrigation component directly benefited Yala’s agrarian communities, making dry-season farming possible.

Assessment of Imoke’s Yala record: Moderate. Better than Duke. His community-driven approach put some resources directly into Yala’s hands. But the projects were small in scale — boreholes, not dams; rural roads, not highways. Yala still lacked the transformative infrastructure that could unlock its full potential.

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Ben Ayade (2015–2023) – The Ambitious Governor Who Left Yala with an Unfinished Road

Professor Ben Ayade came into office with grand visions. The Deep Seaport. The Superhighway. The Garment Factory. The Rice Pyramids. He spoke like no governor before him — big words, bigger promises.

For Yala, Ayade’s signature project was the dualisation of the Mfom-Obudu Road, a long stretch cutting across several local government areas including Yala, Ogoja, Obudu, Bekwarra, and Obanliku.

On paper, this was exactly what Yala needed. A major arterial road connecting the northern senatorial district to the rest of the state. A road that would facilitate evacuation of rice and other agricultural produce. A road that would reduce travel time and accidents.

But here is the painful truth: Ayade did not complete the road. He started it during his second tenure. Work progressed in some sections. But by the time he left office, a significant portion remained abandoned.

That abandoned portion became dangerous. The road, originally constructed many decades ago, had been in terrible state. When Ayade undertook construction, people had hope. But when that portion was left undone, the road became even more hazardous — partially finished sections with unexpected drop-offs, no proper drainage, no signage.

Rhetorical question: What is worse — a road that was never started or a road that was started and abandoned in the middle?

At least with no road, you know what to expect. But with an abandoned construction project, you face dangers every day.

Community leaders in Yala have repeatedly called for the completion of this road, noting that the unfinished portion has caused many accidents and claimed lives over the years.

What else did Yala receive under Ayade?

Beyond the unfinished road project, Ayade’s administration did not deliver many Yala-specific projects that are visible to the average resident. The rice pyramids were in Calabar. The garment factory was in Calabar. The deep seaport remains unbuilt. The superhighway remains controversial and incomplete.

Ayade’s legacy in Yala is mixed. He promised transformation. He started a major road. But he did not finish it. And that unfinished business became a symbol of broken promises.

Assessment of Ayade’s Yala record: Promising start, disappointing finish. The road project, if completed, would have been transformative. But potential is not the same as delivery.

Akahi News believes in holding leaders accountable. That is why we document these projects — so Yala people can ask the right questions. Call 08038644328 or WhatsApp wa.me/2348038644328.

Bassey Otu (2023–Present) – The Completion Governor

Senator Bassey Otu took office in 2023. He inherited many abandoned projects from previous administrations — including that unfinished portion of the Mfom-Obudu road that had become hazardous.

His approach so far has been different: completion over new announcements. The “People First” agenda appears to be translating into action on the ground.

What Yala has received under Otu so far based on public reports:

Completion of the Abandoned Okuku-Mfom Road Section

This is the biggest story for Yala under Otu. The road that Ayade abandoned — Otu is completing it.

The people of Okpoma community in Yala LGA have come out to praise Governor Otu for completing portions of rural road projects that were abandoned by previous administrations. But the bigger news is the ongoing completion of the entire abandoned portion of the Okuku-Mfom road.

At events marking the project’s continuation, emotions ran high. Women, chiefs, men, and youths turned out in celebration. Construction equipment has been deployed, and work is proceeding from multiple points to speed up completion.

Rhetorical question: Why was this road abandoned for years while Otu is now completing it? The answer may be a difference in priority and political will.

Rural Electrification in Itega Ekpudu

Another major project under Otu is the rural electrification of Itega Ekpudu community in Yala LGA. Residents had endured years without stable electricity due to vandalism of power infrastructure and lack of maintenance.

Governor Otu flagged off this project through the State Electrification Agency. The agency’s leadership has stated that access to electricity in rural areas remains a key priority of the current administration.

The traditional ruler of the community, His Royal Highness Chief Godwin Idu, has publicly commended Governor Otu for keeping his promise to the people, describing the electrification drive as a significant milestone towards the Governor’s vision of transforming the state.

For students in Itega Ekpudu, electricity means they can now study at night. For business owners, they can now operate without expensive generators. This is development that directly touches lives.

Emergency Road Repairs Approved

The Cross River State Executive Council has approved emergency road infrastructure packages. These include stretches of the Mfom-Okpoma Road in Yala LGA, showing that the Otu administration is not stopping at completing previously abandoned projects. New road projects in Yala are also being planned and approved.

Assessment of Otu’s Yala record so far: Promising. He is doing what previous governors failed to do — completing abandoned projects. But he is still early in his tenure. Yala will watch to see if these promises translate into long-term transformation.

Rhetorical question: Will Otu complete all Yala projects before his tenure ends, or will the next governor inherit incomplete work from him as well?

Only time will tell. But Yala people are hopeful based on the evidence so far.

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Comparing the Governors – Who Gave Yala the Most?

Let me summarise in a way that will help you answer the question at a glance.

Donald Duke: Minimal Yala-specific projects. His legacy is state-level but Yala saw little direct benefit. Great for Calabar, not so great for Yala.

Liyel Imoke: Community-driven projects reached Yala. Irrigation and social development funds made a difference, though projects were small in scale. Better than Duke, but still not transformative.

Ben Ayade: Started a major road project but abandoned a critical portion. Great ambition, poor follow-through. The abandoned section of that road became a hazard for residents.

Bassey Otu: Still in office but already completing the abandoned road, providing electricity to Itega Ekpudu, and approving new road projects. Early signs are positive.

Based on observable evidence, Bassey Otu is currently the governor who has shown the most tangible commitment to Yala’s development. However, he is still early in his tenure. The final judgement will depend on whether he completes all ongoing projects before leaving office.

What Yala Still Needs – An Open Letter to All Governors

As a journalist who has spent time in Yala, let me tell you what the people are still crying for — regardless of which governor is in power.

A complete, well-maintained Mfom-Obudu Road — Not portions. Not abandoned sections. The entire stretch, with drainage, signage, and a maintenance plan.

Rural electrification for all Yala communities — Not just one community. Every village needs light for students to study and businesses to thrive.

A functional general hospital in Yala — The current facilities are inadequate. People travel to Ogoja or further for serious medical care.

Irrigation for rice farmers — Yala grows rice. Dry season farming requires irrigation. This is not a luxury; it is an economic necessity.

A skills acquisition centre — For Yala youth who cannot afford university. Learning trades creates employment and reduces restiveness.

Internet connectivity — In today’s world, lack of internet is lack of opportunity. Students cannot apply for scholarships. Farmers cannot access market prices.

Rhetorical question: Which governor will be the one to tick all these boxes for Yala?

Perhaps Otu. Perhaps the next governor. But Yala people are tired of waiting. We want delivery now.

What This Means for Yala Students and Parents

Here is the connection to education. While you wait for government to provide roads and electricity, your child’s future cannot wait. WAEC, NECO, JAMB, and post-UTME come every year. The children of Yala deserve to compete with children from well-developed areas.

Akahi Tutors, Ile-Ife, is committed to ensuring that no Yala child is left behind because of poor facilities at home. The centre offers:

• WAEC and NECO intensive preparation
• JAMB and post-UTME drilling for OAU, UNN, UNILAG, UNICAL, UI, and UNILORIN
• JUPEB and Pre-degree programmes
• School of Nursing entrance examination coaching
• GCE preparation for non-school candidates

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Frequently Asked Questions from Yala People

Q: Which governor spent the most money on Yala projects? A: Based on visible projects, Ayade’s road contract was the largest in monetary terms. But because he abandoned a section, the value is questionable. Otu is now completing what Ayade started.

Q: Did Duke do anything for Yala at all? A: Minimal. Some feeder road grading and boreholes. Nothing compared to what he did for Calabar.

Q: Is Imoke’s community development approach better than Ayade’s big projects? A: That depends on your perspective. Small projects reach more communities directly but do not create transformative infrastructure. Big projects transform travel and commerce but can be abandoned. Yala needs both.

Q: Will Otu complete all his promises before his tenure ends? A: He is showing good faith so far. The road completion and electrification are concrete evidence. But Yala must hold him accountable by paying attention and asking questions.

Q: How can Yala ensure that future governors do not abandon projects? A: By voting based on performance, not party. By demanding accountability through community meetings. By supporting platforms like Akahi News that document and report on project delivery.

Final Words from Joseph Iyaji, Akahi News

Dear people of Yala LGA, I have walked your roads. I have sat under your trees. I have listened to your stories of promise and disappointment.

Four governors. Thirty-two combined years of leadership (including Otu’s ongoing tenure). And still, Yala is not where it should be.

Donald Duke had vision but focused on Calabar. Liyel Imoke had community spirit but limited resources for large-scale projects. Ben Ayade had ambition but poor follow-through. Bassey Otu is showing early promise — but the final judgement will come when his tenure ends.

Rhetorical question: When will a governor come who gives Yala not just promises, not just abandoned projects, but complete delivery?

That governor may not come from Yala. He may not even be from the north. But he will be a leader who understands that development is not complete until every local government — not just the capital — feels the impact.

Until then, Yala people must take their future into their own hands. Education is the one investment that no governor can take away from you. Your child’s WAEC certificate, university degree, or professional certification will serve them regardless of who is in power.

That is where Akahi Tutors, Ile-Ife, comes in. We are not politicians. We do not make promises we cannot keep. We simply help your children pass exams and gain admission into the best universities in Nigeria — OAU, UNN, UNILAG, UNICAL, UI, and UNILORIN.

Call us today. Let us work together for Yala’s future.

If this article helped you understand your leaders better, do not keep it to yourself. Share it with every Yala person you know. Share it in your family WhatsApp groups. Share it with community leaders who need to know the truth about project delivery in our local government.

Follow Akahi News daily for more political analysis, educational tips, and development stories that matter to you.

And remember: The road may be abandoned. The electricity may be off. But your child’s education should never be abandoned. Call Akahi Tutors today: 08038644328.