Arthur-Jarvis Archibong, the PDP governorship candidate in Cross River State, accused the state government of using tax authorities to target his privately owned university, Arthur Jarvis University.He claimed the move was politically motivated and could harm education in the region.

Archibong alleged that tax officials were assembling to audit the university over alleged Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax liabilities, framing it as part of a broader crackdown on the opposition.

He emphasized that the university, which employs over 500 people and has awarded scholarships to more than 300 students, has never received state support, unlike private universities in other states that get grants exceeding N500 million.

Archibong criticized the government for ignoring repeated requests to meet the governor, calling the planned audit 'funny' and 'insulting.

' State Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, dismissed the allegations, stating tax compliance is mandatory for all, including opposition members, and urged Archibong to relax.

The controversy comes amid other political tensions, including the demolition of Eba's residence, which Archibong linked to the 'crushing of the opposition.'