By Onwa Ekor
It was a convergence of the creme de la creme of Odukpani people in Cross River, as they defiled the scorching sun to thank their son, Prince Bassey Otu, for his giant strides within two years and to endorse him to continue as governor till 2027 and beyond.
The event, an endorsement and Thank You rally was held at the Odukpani local government council secretariat, attracting youth and women representatives, religious and political support groups, leadership of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), including traditional rulers as well as council and state appointees, among others, who also reaffirmed their support for President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at the event, Otu expressed surprise that he has never seen where a governor was endorsed before or within his first two years in office, a development which he appreciates and would spur him to do more in line with his People First Mantra.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, the governor who started his speech with the chanting of a song, “I can see everything turning around, everything turning around, everything turning around for my good,” assured that he is not boasting of ongoing works, rather presenting evidences of work already done across the State and within two years.
Otu rhetorically asked, “if these lots are achieved within two years, how would the state look at the end of my tenure?”
According to him, “before now, youths were considered as leaders of tomorrow without a platform but today, I am setting up a platform, an avenue for youths to grow and become good leaders, so count yourselves lucky to be part of what I have brought and doing for our dear state.”
The governor commended the people for the trust in him to do more, maintaining that he would continue to ensure that the citizenry under his watch see, feel and enjoy the season of sweetness which his administration anchors on.
Paramount Ruler of Odukpani, Etinyin Otu Asuquo Otu Mesembe VI, who spoke through Prof Eyo Etim Nyong, lauded the governor for his strides in agriculture and agro-industrial development which is geared towards enhancing food security and the provisions of jobs for local farmers.
For the representative of Cross River South at the apex lawmaking body, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, “we endorse our son from 2023 to 2031 because the season of sweetness, the wind of sweetness is moving across the land from Bakassi to Obanliku, from the creeks to the mountain, everyone in Cross River, neighbouring states and the Cameroons can feel that the governor is working.”
Special Adviser to the governor on General duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, remarked that “the fact speaks for itself as the eyes can see, the deaf now talking because the governor has performed and redeemed the image of the state, creating vistas of opportunities for the people of the state,” admitting that, Otu has demonstrated class, style and a new brand that is appreciated by all.
Chairman, Odukpani local government area, Rt. Hon. Ukpong Asido, applauded the governor for his relationship with the presidency which culminated in the flag off of the Calabar-Lagos coastal highway stretch.
Asido further said: “Whatever Otu is doing has multiplying effect on other local government areas, our products are shining everywhere, the products of the brand of Odukpani stock are everywhere and we are proud.”
Others who spoke including Victor Ekpo who represented the federal lawmaker representing Calabar Municipality/Odukpani, Rt. Hon. Bassey Akiba; Leader, Cross River House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Francis Asuquo; Bishop Edwin Nyong, APC Zonal leader, Elder David Okon; Secretary of Council, Barr Alex Asuquo; the Chapter chairman of APC in Odukpani, Edem Eyo; Special Assistant to the governor on APC support groups, Elder Clement Asanye among others, stressed the need for the citizenry to continue to pray and support Otu as he has proved himself a detribalised leader with vision to positively transform the state.
Highpoint of the event were cultural performance and display including motions raised and seconded for the endorsements of President Bola Tinubu and Prince Bassey Otu.
