My own life was significantly disrupted by what I experienced as the arrogance and excesses of political power in Cross River State
By Joseph Odok
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Published on August 17, 2026
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3 min read
Agba Jalingo and I remained in detention longer than we should have because former Governor Ben Ayade repeatedly claimed that he was unaware of our arrest and had no involvement in it. To this day, some of Ayade’s supporters still approach me insisting that he was not responsible. Whatever the truth may have been, the uncertainty surrounding who ordered or authorised our arrest had devastating consequences. I spent 117 days in custody for an offence I did not commit. Agba spent considerably longer.
That experience was compounded by what I regard as the subsequent use of institutional power against me, including the actions of Zana Akpagu at the University of Calabar, which I experienced as a form of institutional witch-hunt. These experiences have permanently altered my view of the consequences of unchecked political power.
I, therefore, believe Governor Bassey Otu should pay close attention to the reported arrest and detention of Denis Odama, particularly because his name has been mentioned in connection with the matter. I am not prepared to assume that the governor personally authorised or directed the arrest. Indeed, I remain open to the possibility that his hands are not involved.
But that is precisely why he must act.
Governors are often surrounded by overzealous aides, political loyalists and sycophants who sometimes act in ways that create serious consequences for the government they serve. My brother, George Odok Jnr captured this disturbing political culture well when he wrote about how some self-appointed “page boys and girls” monitor citizens’ comments on social media, screenshot them and transmit them to politicians, sometimes apparently in pursuit of personal favour or material benefit.
Peter Inyali (sic) for instance was in the habit of roaming my social handles to screenshoot comments and post to Ayade and Zana for food on the table. George’s post resonates with my experience. Till date people like me are still constantly gossiped to power holders but who cares?
Governor Otu may not have authorised Denis Odama’s arrest. But it is difficult to believe that he has not heard about it. Once a matter involving the detention of a citizen reaches the public domain, silence is no longer sufficient.
My own life was significantly disrupted by what I experienced as the arrogance and excesses of political power in Cross River State. I will therefore not fold my arms and watch another citizen potentially endure a similar experience.
Governor Otu should immediately establish the facts and, if Denis Odama is being detained without lawful justification, direct the appropriate authorities to secure his unconditional release.
Leadership is ultimately measured not only by the actions a governor personally takes, but also by what he permits those who serve under him to do. CRS should be a state we play politics that help young people grow not flexing muscles with young people. We have not killed politicians who steal us to poverty, therefore politicians must stop intimidating us with arrest and slowing the growth of young people in the pretex of being insulted
Enough is Enough
Joseph Odok PhD Esq
