Former Senator representing the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State Gershom Bassey has described President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms as `“painful”` and questioned the approach used in implementing them.

Bassey, a frontline member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)and stated this in a statement in Calabar.

“The reforms are painful for Nigerians. The approach used in their implementation is what I am questioning”, Senator Bassey said.

Despite the criticism of federal policy, Bassey commended the Tinubu administration’s Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. He said the project, when completed, was capable of transforming Cross River State.

“This project will open up trade, create jobs, and link our state to the rest of the coastal corridor. All stakeholders should support it,” he said.

The two-term lawmaker also assessed the performance of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration. He said that despite complaints, the governor had recorded “tangible achievements” in reducing insecurity, especially kidnapping in the state.

“There are challenges, but the governor has done well in securing the state. More still needs to be done to improve living conditions” he said.

Bassey lauded ongoing efforts to secure the allocation of 300 oil fields to Cross River, expressing hope that it would `“turn around the fortunes of the state.”`

On constitutional matters, he called for true federalism and devolution of powers instead of restructuring and state creation, which he described as “a tedious constitutional requirement.”

He also spoke on the state police bill before the National Assembly, saying Nigeria’s security challenges demand it. But he warned that measures must be put in place “to forestall possible abuse by state governors.” (The Sun)

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