Stakeholders from Cross River State's Northern Senatorial District have expressed support for Governor Bassey Edet Otu's second-term ambition. The stakeholders, representing Ogoja, Obanliku, Obudu, Yala, and Bekwarra Local Government Areas, made this known during an engagement at the Ogoja Local Government Council Headquarters. This event was part of the Cross River State Consultative Forum's tour to gather citizens' views on the Otu administration's performance and community needs.
The engagement, organised by the Cross River State Consultative Forum, included a sensitisation walk and a gathering of political leaders, traditional rulers, youths, women, and community stakeholders. Chairman of the Elders Advisory Council and former governor, Chief Clement Ebri, stated that the exercise aimed to gather information directly from the people, not to stage a political campaign. Ebri mentioned that Governor Otu had mandated the council to provide honest advice on his administration's performance.
Ebri appealed to residents to exercise patience with the administration, noting that the government inherited significant infrastructure and development challenges. He commended Otu for efforts towards restoring Cross River State's status as an oil-producing state. Ebri also called on stakeholders to mobilise support for both Otu and President Tinubu in the 2027 elections, citing that a strong electoral showing for the President would enhance the governor's influence at the national level.
Chairman of the Consultative Forum, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, said the Ogoja meeting marked the Forum's first engagement in the Northern Senatorial District. Ekpo expressed appreciation for the people's continued support for Governor Otu and stressed that the gathering was not a campaign rally but a platform for discussing the state's development and political future. The stakeholders' views were seen as a strong endorsement of Otu's quest for a second term.
Representing the State Chairman of the APC, Rt. Hon. Chris Etta, the Deputy Chairman, Rt. Hon. Ugana Lukpata, commended participants for their commitment to the party. Lukpata called for stronger mobilisation at the grassroots and declared that the APC should aim for "five over five" victories in the 2027 elections. He attributed the restoration of Cross River's oil-producing status to the improved relationship between the state government and the Federal Government.
The stakeholders adopted a communiqué, acknowledging ongoing projects and interventions by the Otu administration. They expressed support for the continued tenure of President Tinubu and Governor Otu, while calling for the completion of ongoing projects and increased attention to community development needs. The stakeholders resolved to strengthen grassroots mobilisation, promote peaceful political engagement, and sustain consultations with communities and political leaders.
The communiqué was unanimously adopted and signed by Ekpo, Chairman of the Forum; Dr Julius Okputu, Secretary; Ntufam (Barr.) Fidelis Ugbo, Chairman of the Drafting Committee; and Prof. Michael Okom, Secretary of the Drafting Committee. The stakeholders reaffirmed their support for Tinubu, Otu, and other APC candidates at the federal, state, and local government levels.
Key points
- Stakeholders in Cross River State's Northern Senatorial District support Governor Bassey Edet Otu's second-term bid.
- The stakeholders urge residents to deliver bloc votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other APC candidates in the 2027 elections.
- The engagement was part of the Cross River State Consultative Forum's tour to gather citizens' views on the Otu administration's performance and community needs.
