\n\n
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Cross River State, Arthur-Jarvis Archibong, has accused the administration of Governor Bassey Otu of using state tax authorities to target Arthur Jarvis University, a private institution he founded. Archibong alleged that officials were preparing to audit the university over alleged Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax liabilities, describing the move as politically motivated and part of a broader campaign to intimidate opposition figures ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking to journalists in Calabar, Archibong said the university, which employs more than 500 people and has awarded scholarships to over 300 students, has never received support from the state government despite its contributions to education. He insisted that the institution’s tax obligations had been fully met and described the planned audit as “insulting” and unnecessary. He also linked the development to the recent marking of his running mate Alphonsus Eba’s residence for demolition, claiming it reflected a coordinated effort to weaken the opposition.
Reacting to the allegations, the Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, dismissed the claims, stating that tax compliance is mandatory for all individuals and organisations regardless of political affiliation. He maintained that the state government was simply enforcing tax laws and urged Archibong and the PDP to stop politicising routine government actions, insisting that no one is exempt from fulfilling their tax obligations.
