GLITZ TV
Calabar, Cross River State – March 17, 2025.
In a momentous gathering, the Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) Forum convened in Calabar today, delivering a powerful endorsement for His Excellency, Ntufam Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, as he seeks a second term in office for the 2027 elections. The forum, led by Chairman Chief Mathias Ake, KSJI, JP, articulated a unified message of unwavering support for the governor, emphasizing his remarkable achievements and transformative leadership over the past 23 months.
Opening the session with a warm greeting, Chief Ake, who holds the portfolio of SSA for Infrastructure North, expressed the SSAs’ collective commitment to Governor Otu’s leadership.
he stated. “Since he assumed office on May 29, 2023, we have witnessed a series of transformative initiatives that have positively impacted every Cross Riverian, both at home and abroad.” His words resonated with the members present, highlighting a shared sense of pride in the governor’s accomplishments.
Among the SSAs present at the conference were:
Magnus Ntui* – SSA Environment
Elizabeth John Omali – SSA Trade Development
Patrick Ita Etim – SSA Infrastructure
Fred Ntui E – SSA Transport Infrastructural Development
Asagem Emmanuel U – SSA Timber Control North
Hon. Ekong Edet Okua – SSA Local Content.
Dr. Julius Kijuo O – SSA Youth Development
Rt. Hon. Chief Udeme E. Okon –
SSA Host Community
Etta Lawrence – SSA Sport
Effa Fidelis Edem – SSA Tree Crops
Hon. Philiper Ntuyang – SSA Commerce
Hon. Dunamis Achibong – SSA Political Affair
The forum took the opportunity to outline several key areas where Governor Otu’s leadership has made a significant impact:
1. Astute Leadership & Achievements: From the very start of his tenure, Governor Otu has prioritized excellence, prosperity, and peace. Under his guidance, the state has experienced unparalleled transformation, with numerous initiatives leading to tangible improvements in the socio-political and economic landscape. The SSAs emphasized that these achievements are not mere rhetoric; they are measurable successes that reflect the governor’s dedication to the people.
2. Peaceful Governance: One of the hallmarks of Governor Otu’s administration has been the creation of a peaceful and harmonious environment. The cooperation and respect among the three arms of government—the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary—have set a new standard for governance. This collaborative spirit has fostered strong working relationships between the state government and the Federal Government, as well as with all 18 Local Government Areas.
3.Grassroots Development: The forum commended the governor for his swift response to the Supreme Court’s verdict on local government autonomy. By conducting peaceful and credible elections for local government chairmen, Governor Otu has reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots development, ensuring that the electoral process was free of violence and that democracy at the local level is upheld.
4.Balanced Development: Under his leadership, development initiatives have been evenly distributed across the three senatorial districts of the state: North, Central, and South. Major projects in agriculture, education, health, infrastructure, and road construction have been implemented, demonstrating the governor’s commitment to improving the standard of living for every Cross Riverian.
5.Landmark Economic Projects: Governor Otu is focused on laying the groundwork for the future of Cross River State. His support for the ongoing completion of the Obudu Cargo Airport and the groundbreaking of the Deep Sea Port in Bakassi are testaments to his forward-thinking leadership. Once completed, these monumental projects are expected to unlock tremendous economic opportunities, benefiting not only Cross Riverians but also attracting local and international investors.
6.Resource Recovery: The governor’s tireless efforts in reclaiming lost derivation funds from offshore oil wells in the ceded territorial region of Bakassi have been crucial in securing Cross River’s financial future. These initiatives are complemented by his administration’s commitment to reviving the state’s tourism potential, including the resuscitation of TINAPA Business Resort and the Obudu Ranch Resort, alongside the groundbreaking of the Calabar-Ogoja Railway project.
7.Security and Public Welfare: In terms of security, the SSAs highlighted that Cross Riverians have never felt safer. Governor Otu’s hands-on approach to managing security affairs has significantly reduced crime rates. Moreover, his commitment to the welfare of civil servants, evidenced by timely payments of salaries, pensions, and gratuities, reflects his prioritization of public service and the well-being of state employees.
8.Economic Sustainability and Revenue Growth: The governor’s approach to governance has instilled fiscal discipline, resulting in an impressive increase in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). His administration’s diligence in curbing financial leakages has contributed to the economic stability of Cross River State. This remarkable performance recently earned him the accolade of
by the Independent Newspaper Awards.
9.Tourism and Investment Growth: Cross River State continues to experience an influx of investors, largely due to Governor Otu’s strategic leadership in the tourism sector. The state’s natural beauty and unique advantages are being leveraged to create a dynamic business hub that attracts both local and international investments.
10 Safe Hands for the Future:
As the forum looked toward 2027, the members expressed confidence that the future of Cross River State lies in safe hands with Governor Otu at the helm. His legacy of tangible achievements speaks volumes about his capability as a leader, inspiring optimism for the continued development of the state.
In a heartfelt conclusion, Chief Ake invited all present to join him in proclaiming their unwavering vote of confidence in Governor Otu’s leadership. “The ‘1’s have it. We stand behind him 100% and pledge our full support for his second term bid in 2027,” he declared, prompting enthusiastic applause from the audience.
As the forum drew to a close, the chants of “Long live His Excellency! Long live Cross River State! Long live Cross Riverians and all our esteemed visitors!” echoed throughout the venue, solidifying the SSAs’ commitment to the continued success of Cross River State under Governor Otu’s dedicated leadership.
