By joshua Why Governor Bassey Otu deserves another term
By Michael Jegede
Since his assumption of office on May 29, 2023, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has proven to be the perfect example of a servant-leader. He has worked diligently and passionately to transform the state’s socio-economic landscape for the benefit of Cross Riverians.
In the words of Kenneth Blanchard, a renowned American author, management consultant, motivational speaker, and leadership coach with over 70 books in his kitty, “Servant leadership is all about making the goals clear and then rolling your sleeves up and doing whatever it takes to help people win. In that situation, they do not work for you; you work for them.”
Governor Otu has, in the running of the affairs of Cross River State, demonstrated servant leadership through his ‘People-First’ governance philosophy, which focuses on community engagement, inclusive decision-making, and prioritizing citizens’ welfare and infrastructure development across the state’s 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
His leadership style has earned him widespread support and acceptability among Cross Riverians, who believe that he has performed excellently and superbly to deserve another term, to consolidate the gains of his structural revolution, ensure the completion of long-term developmental projects, and maintain the atmosphere of peace and economic growth currently enjoyed across the state. He is believed to rightly deserve a second term to sustain the tempo of development being witnessed under his watch, and allow his transformative policies to fully mature.
Otu, fondly referred to as ‘Sweet Prince’, assumed office at a time the state needed steady hands, clear direction, and a government that puts citizens first. An appraisal of his first term so far indicates policy emphasis on public service reform, social inclusion, restorative governance, revitalization of dormant infrastructure, and economic rejuvenation.
He initiated numerous programmes/projects in agriculture, urban renewal, housing, tourism, electricity, healthcare, road construction, education, etc, and took measures aimed at entrenching fiscal discipline, accountability, and transparency in governance.
Dwelling on why Governor Otu deserves another term beyond 2027, the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy in Nigeria (CPDN), a coalition of 91 Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organisations, maintained that Otu’s outstanding performance and exceptional leadership make a convincing case for him to be re-elected.
In a position statement signed by its Convener, Dr. Nwambu Gabriel, the coalition, said it carried out rigorous field evaluations and direct scorecard assessments before reaching the conclusion that indeed Governor Otu duly deserves a second term.
According to CPDN in the statement published by Arewa Reporters, “When His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, assumed office as the Executive Governor of Cross River State, he did not just inherit a state; he inherited the high expectations of a people yearning for structure, economic rebirth, and genuine human empathy.
“Three years into his administration, operating under the ideological banner of the ‘People First’ Agenda, Governor Otu has moved beyond mere political rhetoric. He has engineered a profound socio-economic transformation that has stabilized, revitalized, and repositioned Cross River State as a model of good governance in Nigeria.
“As a united front of 91 civil society and non-governmental organizations dedicated to tracking public accountability, national stability, and democratic consolidation, the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy in Nigeria (CPDN) has independently monitored this journey. From our rigorous field assessments, stakeholder dialogues, and direct scorecard evaluations, our verdict is clear: Governor Bassey Otu has earned the trust of the people, and his remarkable achievements make a compelling case for continuity, consolidation, and a well-deserved second term.”
Stressing further that Cross River State must protect its progress by ensuring the continuity of the Otu administration, the coalition noted that “For years, key economic catalysts in Cross River State lay dormant, trapped in legal and financial bottlenecks. Governor Otu broke these chains through exceptional diplomatic and administrative leadership.
“Securing the federal Certificate of Compliance for the $2.27 billion Bakassi Deep Seaport is an unprecedented breakthrough. By clearing the path for this maritime masterpiece, Governor Otu has laid the foundation for transforming Cross River State into West Africa’s premier trade gateway.
“Rescuing Tinapa Business and Resort Limited from the control of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) represents a monumental victory for state pride and asset recovery, unlocking vast opportunities for private-sector investment.
“A democracy is only as strong as its commitment to human welfare. Prior to 2023, the morale of the Cross River civil service was weighed down by years of unpaid obligations and a stagnant workforce. Governor Otu chose to confront these challenges directly. In a remarkable demonstration of compassionate leadership, the governor released ₦10 billion to clear decades-old gratuity arrears, bringing long-awaited relief and justice to retirees who devoted their lives to serving the state.
“By lifting a quarter-century ban on public-sector recruitment, the administration successfully absorbed 2,500 qualified young professionals into the state workforce, regularized outstanding salary issues, and implemented a comprehensive personnel and pension audit to eliminate ghost-worker syndicates.
“Governor Otu recognizes that sustainable development begins at the grassroots. Rather than pursuing cosmetic agricultural interventions, his administration embarked on structural modernization. The administration distributed 108 three-wheel tractors to farming cooperatives and 100 commercial and fishing boats to riverine communities, directly empowering smallholder farmers, reducing exploitation by middlemen, and advancing the goal of food security.”
The CPDN observed that “From the renovation of the Governor’s Office to the reconstruction of the ultra-modern State Library and the installation of solar-powered streetlights across Calabar Metropolis, urban spaces have become safer, more attractive, and more conducive to investment. Under Governor Otu’s leadership, Carnival Calabar has been revitalized and expanded, attracting international attention, increasing tourism revenues, and reaffirming Cross River State’s status as Africa’s premier tourism destination.
“At a time of economic uncertainty nationwide, the ‘People First’ philosophy provided protection for vulnerable families. By introducing free tuition in public primary and secondary schools and fully covering WAEC examination fees, the administration ensured that financial hardship would not stand in the way of educational opportunities.”
The group opined that “True democracy is not merely about conducting elections; it is about safeguarding sustainable progress.
“When a leader demonstrates an exceptional ability to combine large-scale infrastructural development with meaningful human capital investments, it becomes a civic responsibility to preserve that leadership model.
“Governor Bassey Otu’s first three years in office have restored structural integrity, transparency, and public confidence in governance. His leadership is focused not on the next election but on the next generation.
“Replacing leadership at this critical stage – when transformative projects such as the Bakassi Deep Seaport and agricultural value chains are approaching full maturity – could disrupt the momentum of progress that has been carefully built.
“As a coalition of 91 organizations representing the voices, aspirations, and civic consciousness of the people, the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy in Nigeria firmly declares its support for the continuation of the ‘People First’ Agenda.
“Governor Otu has earned his stripes, fulfilled key promises, and demonstrated the leadership capacity required to fully actualize the glorious destiny of Cross River State. Let the progress continue.”
In healthcare delivery, Governor Otu has made a significant impact on the lives of Cross Riverians. He has done various reforms and interventions that are redefining healthcare delivery across the state. For instance, the Palliative Healthcare Programme was designed to provide free and subsidized medical services for pregnant women, children under five years of age, and elderly citizens above 70, thereby reducing out-of-pocket expenses for the most vulnerable in the state.
According to a report written by Kingsley Agim and published by the Cross River State online news medium, “The (Otu-led) government has upgraded 196 Primary Healthcare Centres under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and revitalized an additional 96 Primary Healthcare Centres across the state, all awaiting commissioning. These interventions have significantly expanded access to healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
“Beyond physical rehabilitation, the revitalization programme has transformed many of these facilities into comprehensive primary healthcare hubs equipped with staff quarters, antenatal and obstetric units, laboratory services, inpatient wards and the human resources required to sustain round-the-clock healthcare delivery.
“The administration has also embarked on a comprehensive plan to build new hospitals in Local Government Areas with limited secondary healthcare facilities while upgrading existing institutions to provide effective referral support for the expanding primary healthcare system.”
In a piece captioned “Organic endorsements and Governor Otu’s second term”, Barrister Fred Abua, Press Secretary (PS) to Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, remarked that “Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has, in the last three years, distinguished himself as a purposeful leader whose record is steadily earning the confidence of institutions, stakeholders, and ordinary citizens alike. At a time when public recognition and applause is purchased or manufactured by its recipients, his endorsements have come largely as organic responses to visible performance. That is why the stream of awards, honours, and commendations he has received from reputable organizations stands out as a strong argument for a second term in office. It is one thing to be praised by political loyalists; it is quite another to be independently affirmed by diverse and respected bodies who are convinced that a leader is on the right path.
“Governor Otu has become a recurring presence on Nigeria’s awards circuit, with recognition from platforms such as Vanguard Newspapers, The Sun Newspaper, Silverbird, and others. He was honoured as the 2024 Most MSME-Friendly Governor, received an honorary doctorate from Modibbo Adama University for his contributions to social development, national cohesion, and humanitarian service, and was also conferred with another honorary doctorate by the University of Calabar. He was further selected as a winner at the 2025 Silverbird Man of the Year Awards for visionary leadership, recognized by The Sun Newspaper for his performance and ‘season of sweetness’ initiatives, and named Independent Newspaper Governor of the Year for Economic Transformation (2025).”
Barrister Abua added that Otu was likewise in March 2026 “invested as a Patron of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), recognizing his people-centered leadership and commitment to value-driven governance.” He further stated that “the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) also honoured him with the Tourism and Hospitality Champion Award, while local groups and beneficiaries within Cross River have continued to celebrate his leadership. These are not isolated gestures; they form a broad chorus of approval from observers who are persuaded that the governor is delivering on his promises.
“For all these reasons, Governor Bassey Otu deserves not only commendation but continued support and another term in office. His record suggests a leader who listens, builds, completes, and delivers. In a political culture that often favours noise over substance, Otu has steadily presented a different model: one rooted in performance, restraint, and people-first vision. If leadership is about leaving a state better than one met it, then the evidence so far makes a strong case that Otu is doing exactly that.”
Michael Jegede, a journalist, writes from Abuja