By joshua 
Gov Otu has done excellently well, deserves second term – Hon Amba, Dr Ogar
The Secretary of Ikom Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River State, Hon Edo Owan Amba and the Head of Department of Entrepreneurship Studies in University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Dr. Cassius Ogar, have said that Governor Bassey Otu has performed superbly and remarkably since his assumption of office on May 29, 2023, to deserve another term come 2027.
The duo of Hon Amba and Dr Ogar, in separate interview, averred that the governor, popularly referred to as Sweet Prince, has justified the trust and confidence reposed in him by Cross Riverians with the way he has vigorously pursued the actualization of his People-First agenda, working tirelessly to place Cross River on the path of economic prosperity and put smiles on the faces of the people.
They were of the strong conviction that no amount of forces put together by the opposition members in the state can stop the re-election of Sweet Prince, who has meaningfully made significant impact in all sectors of the state’s economy to the admiration of Cross Riverians.
Hon Amba, a one-time Councillor for Akparabong ward in IKom LGA said: “The second term bid of the Governor of Cross River State Apostle Senator Bassey Edet Otu is sacrosanct and almost like a walk in the park for very pertinent reasons.
“One is the lack of formidable opposition in the state as almost all the gladiators in the State have moved to APC and are supporting the Governor.
“Also, his people-first agenda has positively touched the lives of Cross Riverians through the various people-oriented projects and programmes he has initiated since he came on board as Cross River’s helmsman. And so, it is certain that Cross Riverians won’t hesitate to massively support him for second term.
“Again, the zoning arrangements make it easier for the governor because he is from the Southern Senatorial District whose turn it is to produce Governor until 2031, after which the Central Senatorial District will take its turn. Therefore, it’s only convenient that the Central district gives its support to him rather than gamble with another candidate who constitutionally can still insist on a second term beyond 2031. So, any attempt to bring in another person in 2027 would distort the zoning arrangement that has promoted peace and stability in the state.”
Dr. Ogar, on his part, noted that “Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu stands a greater chance of being re-elected into office as the Executive Governor of Cross River State. This is because for the period he has been in office he has succeeded in demonstrating his capacity as governor in terms of human capital development, infrastructural development, economic transformation, and helping to regain the lost glory of the state.
“Governor Otu has operated an open-door policy in his administration carrying every section of the state along. He has been fair to all and sundry. His appointments are not parochial. He has ensured that appointments cut across the three senatorial districts of the state. A complete gentleman, kind-hearted and open-minded leader, liberal and listening governor, he takes no delight in the intimidation of people with opposing views. He is always ready to work with anyone for the good of the state, including members of other political parties.
“His footprint of development is everywhere. If you go to northern Cross River, the handwriting is clear on the wall. Same thing applies to the central and southern part of the state. He has been able to engage in rural electrification, rural road development, agricultural revolution, and the solarization of some major streets in certain areas of the state.”
The university don further stated that: “In the interest of Cross River State, Governor Otu has made adequate efforts to complete abandoned and ongoing projects initiated by previous administrations in the state. The remodelled and digitalized Cross River library, and expansion of Cally Air through the acquisition of two additional aircrafts recently commissioned by Vice President Kashim Shettima are among many of such projects.
“Recently there was massive endorsements for Governor Otu’s second term from central senatorial district which had its grand finale in Ikom Township Stadium. We also had same in Cross River South and Cross River North. So, from all indications, it is very clear that by God’s grace Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu will return as the Executive Governor of Cross River State come 2027. No party in the state can unseat Prince Otu of All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. Not even the coalition party, ADC. No party has the capacity to match APC in Cross Rivers State.
“I am 101% sure that Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu will get a second term. The reasons are not far-fetched. With his people-first mantra, he has prioritized the welfare of the common man. Things have been working well across the state. And above all, there has been relative peace in Cross River compared to other administrations. Regions across the state are peaceful. The man has been able to manage all the existing structures and so far everywhere in the state is peaceful.
“So, I can assure you that Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu is unstoppable. Moreso that there is an existing practice in the state where if someone becomes governor from a particular zone, we allow the person to serve the constitutional two terms before it moves another senatorial district. This has become a culture. Therefore, it is not going to be healthy in the political culture of Cross River for any other person from any other zone to scuttle the political formular of the state. This understanding has been religiously followed since the inception of the current democratic dispensation in 1999.”