I’m fully committed to moving the state forward – Gov. Otu reassures APC
The governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu has reassured stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the people of the State of his administration’s commitment to move the state forward and turning his election promises into action.
The governor stated this during a meeting with the stakeholders at the Calabar International Convention Center, (CICC) on Friday, 29 September 2023
He stressed the importance of unity, transparency and accountability in achieving the desired goals for the benefit of the people and called on the stakeholders to join hands and work together with him for the prosperity of Cross River.
During the meeting, Governor Otu reiterated his dedication to the progress and development of the State and pledged to ensure that the state moves forward and reaches a new height.
He sued for unity and cooperation among all stakeholders to achieve the desired goals.
The governor also further explained the need for transparency and accountability in governance and stated that his administration is committed to ensuring that the state resources are utilized effectively and efficiently for the benefit of the people.
He also highlighted the efforts made to attract investments and create job opportunities for the people of Cross River State while expressing his gratitude to the APC stakeholders for their support. Otu assured them that their voices and concerns will be heard and addressed.
The Governor noted that in just a few months since assuming office, his administration has already made significant strides in reshaping and improving the state of affairs in Cross River through his ‘Peoples First’ agenda, and has prioritized the needs and welfare of the people.
Recognizing the importance of unity and cohesion within the party, the governor pledged to establish party caucuses in all local government areas. “These caucuses will serve as platforms for consultation and resolution of any issues that may arise,” he noted.
Governor Otu has emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving differences within the party adding that through peaceful discussions, all concerns can be addressed and resolved amicably. “This approach not only promotes harmony within the party but also ensures that the party remains focused on its primary goal of serving the people,” he remarked.
The governor has announced that more appointments will be made to provide party stalwarts with the opportunity to contribute to the development of the state. “This move not only recognizes the importance of party members in governance but also encourages their active participation in shaping the future of Cross River,” he stressed.
The governor said “God has bestowed upon us the responsibility of taking our dear state forward. Cross River had suffered under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I thank God for using my predecessor, Senator Ben Ayade, to break the state free from the shackles of the PDP.
“Let me also thank Cross Rivererians, especially the APC faithful, for your efforts and support, which saw us trounce every opposition at the last elections. Today, PDP is history in our state,” the governor remarked.
Governor Otu further cautioned against self-centeredness, maintaining that “the Cross River Project takes precedence over any individual’s interest. We are on course to building a virile economy that would make political appointments unattractive. Economic prosperity is imminent,” he said.
Speaking on government as a continuum, the governor expressed his administration’s commitment to completing the Obudu Cargo Airport before the end of the year, enlarging the Cally Air fleet as well as turning the Bebi Airstrip in Obanliku into an Aviation School.
“The quest to regain Bakassi has also begun in earnest. We also want to be compensated in terms of land mass.
“We intend to serve creditably well so that Cross Rivererians would indeed be glad that they voted us at the end of the day,” Governor Otu assured Cross Riverians.
Meanwhile, the state APC stakeholders who attended the event, include, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, state chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Eba, former Deputy Governor, Prof. Ivara Esu, former Senate Leader, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, Senators Eteng Williams and Asuquo Ekpenyong, Member representing Abi/Yakurr in the House of Reps, Rt. Hon. Alex Egbona, Etinyin (Dr.) Asuquo Ekpenyong Sr, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, Ntufam Peter Ojie, Etinyin (Amb.) Nya Asuquo, High Chief Peters Higgins, Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, former Acting National Chairman of the APC, Ntufam Hilliard Eta, High Chief Eugene Akeh, and many others.