SA Youth Affairs Slams Dan Obo Jr. Over Call for Senator’s Sack, Defends Eteng’s Developmental Achievements

 

The Special Assistant on Youth Affairs to the Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Gifted Nelson, has fired back at Dan Obo Jr., a former State Youth Chairman, over what he described as a “callous and insignificant” statement calling for the Senator’s removal ahead of the 2027 election cycle.

In a press statement made available to the media and also published in his Facebook wall, Nelson described Dan Obo’s remarks as lacking substance and driven by misinformation. 

He insisted that the Senator’s performance within less than two years in office has proven his capability and commitment to grassroots development, especially when compared to previous representatives who collectively spent 24 years without delivering critical infrastructure or sustainable leadership.

“The attempt by Obo to compare the Senator’s two-year accomplishments with that of his predecessors who served for a combined 24 years — yet failed to provide hospitals, youth centers, and other basic needs — is laughable and misleading,” Nelson stated.

He noted the Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill 2024 (SB525), sponsored by Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, which seeks to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Ugep. The bill, which has passed second reading, aims to bring quality healthcare services closer to the people of Cross River Central, many of whom currently travel long distances to Calabar or Ebonyi State for tertiary medical care.

In reinforcing the Senator’s hands-on approach to leadership, Nelson noted that liaison officers and youth representatives have been appointed across the district to bridge the gap between the people and the Senator’s office — an initiative he described as “rare among political office holders.”

“The National Assembly is not an English language training center but a legislative house for national development. It is disturbing that someone like Dan Obo is trying to reduce the Senator’s focus from lawmaking and constituency service to responding to petty utterances,” Nelson added.

He further emphasized that Senator Eteng has remained steadfast in his mission to provide sustainable leadership, sponsor people-oriented bills and motions, and serve as a true voice of Cross River Central until the end of his tenure.

In conclusion, Nelson urged the youth and the broader Central District population to continue supporting the Senator’s administration, which he believes is filling long-standing leadership gaps. He also warned against aligning with individuals “like Dan Obo,” whom he accused of “spreading fake information for selfish political gain.”

Issued by Gifted Nelson, SA on Youth Affairs to the Senator Representing Cross River Central Senatorial District.