The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, Arthur-Jarvis Archibong, has accused the administration of Governor Bassey Otu of using state tax authorities to target his university in what he described as a politically motivated campaign against the opposition.
Archibong alleged that officials had been mobilised to audit Arthur Jarvis University over alleged Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax liabilities, warning that such actions could hurt educational development in the State.
The PDP candidate, who founded Arthur Jarvis University — the first private university in Cross River State — said the move was the latest in what he described as a broader effort to intimidate and weaken opposition figures ahead of the 2027 elections.
Archibong made the allegations while speaking with journalists in Calabar on Friday, where he raised concerns over what he described as attempts by state tax authorities to clamp down on the institution.
“It is so insulting. A state government that has not given the university even a pin is now gathering directors to x-ray what taxes we have not paid,” he said.
His claims come only days after the Water Board Estate residence of his running mate, Alphonsus Eba, was marked for demolition, a development Archibong linked to what he called an ongoing effort at “crushing the opposition.”
According to him, Arthur Jarvis University currently employs more than 500 people and has provided scholarships to over 300 students despite receiving no form of support from the state government.
“Private universities in other states get grants of about ₦500 million and above. Their roads are done.
“Here, not even a pin. All requests for the University Management to pay a courtesy call on the Governor since he was sworn in have not been approved. We have made efforts to reach him through all the designated channels, but it has not seen the light of the day,” he said.
Archibong further insisted that the institution had fulfilled all its tax obligations and dismissed the proposed audit as unnecessary and offensive.
“Our taxes are up to date. The planned audit is just very funny and insulting. We are watching,” he added.
Reacting to the allegations, the Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, denied any political motive behind the tax audit and urged the PDP leadership in the State to remain calm.
He maintained that tax compliance was compulsory for every citizen and organisation, regardless of political affiliation, adding that the government would continue to enforce tax laws.
“Tax payment is obligatory. You cannot benefit from a system for you to come out to say you will not do that which is expected of you. Therefore, Archibong and Eba cannot stop the government. The government must go on,” Ekpang said.
