Tag: Otu

 The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River on Monday granted Gov. Bassey Otu and his deputy, Mr Peter Odey, an automatic ticket for the 2027 General Election.

Speaking at the APC Secretariat in Calabar, the party’s Chairman, Mr Alphonsus Eba, urged other party members aspiring for political positions to begin their consultations.

Eba clarified that apart from the governor and his deputy, no other individual had been given an automatic ticket by the party.

He encouraged other aspirants to return to their constituents and seek their support ahead of the elections.

“The State Working Committee and the State Executive Committee of APC met today and resolved that Governor Otu will be the party’s sole candidate in 2027,” he said.

He explained that the decision was based on the principle of continuity, stating, “Nobody changes a winning team. The governor and his deputy will fly the party’s flag in 2027.”

Read Also: APC chieftain hails Tinubu on economy

He added that even if Otu was reluctant to run, the party would still present only one ticket with his name, as was done in 2022.

“We appeal to him to listen to the desires of party members and accept the nomination,” Eba stated.

He also praised the deputy governor, currently acting as governor, for supporting President Bola Tinubu’s actions in Rivers.

Eba noted that some individuals had misrepresented the state’s position. He commended the acting governor for clarifying that South-South governors had not consulted him before opposing Tinubu’s decision.

He applauded the President for restoring peace in Rivers, preventing a political crisis. (NAN)

Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, and other stakeholders in the humanitarian sector, have called for collective efforts to address humanitarian challenges in Cross River, Nigeria and the world at large.

Otu spoke during the 2024 World Humanitarian Day Public Symposium organised by the Cross River State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Calabar, the state capital.

According to the governor, the theme for this year’s World Humanitarian Day, “Act For Humanity,” is a clarion call for action in the face of escalating violence against humanitarian workers. He stated that the Day was a poignant reminder of the need for collective action towards addressing humanitarian issues which have become more pressing now than ever.

The governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Establishment, Mrs Lawrencia Ita, emphasised that collective action is needed in “Supporting all humanitarian workers, addressing the root causes of crises as well as fostering inclusive, equitable partnerships, embracing innovative solutions and technologies. Advocating for policies and practices that prioritise humanity,” among others.

In her remarks, the wife of the governor, Rev. (Mrs) Eyoanwan Otu, urged Crossriverians to be their brother’s keeper by extending a helping hand to one another.

Represented by her Special Adviser on Programmes and Events, Apostle Queen Eton, the governor wife emphasised the importance of compassion, empathy and kindness, which according to her, are essential ingredients for humanitarian works in a contemporary world defined by conflict, injustice and suffering.

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration is driving an economic renaissance to achieve success in agro-industrialisation, infrastructure, education, others.

The governor said his administration was modelled after the style of the of the late premier of defunct Eastern Region, Dr. Michael Okpara.

He spoke at the annual lecture and award ceremony in Abuja yesterday in honour of the late premier.

Otu was honoured with “the Premier’s Prize 2024 – Leadership Award, Golden Plaque category” Michael Okpara Foundation.

He noted that  Okpara left a lasting legacy in good governance, development, and integrity in public service, “pioneering the fastest growing regional economy in the world and set high standards for leadership excellence.’’

“My administration in Cross River State aims to emulate and build on Okpara’s principles by focusing on agriculture, education, and infrastructure.

“The state is implementing agricultural initiatives as soil fertility surveys, oil palm seedling distributions, commercial agricultural funding schemes, and infrastructure projects to boost productivity, create jobs, and ensure food security.

“We prioritise good governance by promoting transparency, participation, accountability, and efficiency in public affairs. It fosters a responsive and inclusive government in collaboration with people to drive change and development.”

Read Also: Tinubu hails judicial contributions to national growth, development

Otu also said his government is empowering women farmers and improving agricultural to enhance food production and economic growth.

Chairman of the Mfoundation, Chief Uzodinma Okpara, singled out Otu due to developments in Cross River state.

He lauded Out for the soil mapping initiative that allows anyone in agriculture to understand fertility of the soil type before planting.

Okpara urged governments to build and develop farm settlements to address food security and agric development.

The occasion was attended by Imo State Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma; former Senate President, Pius Anyim; former First Lady,

Governor Bassey Otu has expressed that twenty-five years of uninterrupted democracy have provided valuable lessons and blessings for Cross River.

During an interdenominational Christian service at the Apostolic Church on Edgerly Road in Calabar, Governor Otu, represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, expressed gratitude for the patriotic leaders who have guided Cross River state and Nigeria.

He emphasised the importance of allowing democracy to flourish, as it leads to development and ensures that the voices of the people are always heard.

Governor Otu highlighted the significance of the June 12, 1993, presidential election and its subsequent annulment in fueling Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

He paid tribute to heroes like Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola for their contributions to democracy in Nigeria.

Read Also: Transforming Nigeria: The Platform Returns with a Special Edition This Democracy Day

The governor reassured the people of Cross River that his administration prioritises the welfare of its citizens and is committed to addressing issues such as the backlog of unpaid gratuity for retirees.

He urged Cross Riverians to remain supportive of his administration, pray for their leaders, and continue to have faith in the progress of the state.

In a sermon titled: “Cross River shall prosper again”, Pastor Ekpe Offiong stated that prosperity will come to the state if its leaders act justly and truthfully before God.

The clergyman commended the ‘People First’ approach of the Otu-led administration, which focuses on meeting the needs and aspirations of the masses, and encouraged the governor to maintain this commitment to delivering democratic dividends to the people.

Government officials, elder statesmen, political figures, traditional leaders, security agency heads, and other dignitaries attended the event, where readings from the Bible were shared by Deputy Governor, Peter Odey and the speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem.

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has presented his government’s reform strategies, actions and economic indices to diplomats, policy makers and investment drivers to attract and create more growth opportunities.

The venue was Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, during an “Executive Governor’s Roundtable” summit: “Building Cooperation for a Better Today and a Resilient Future.”

Present were Canadian High Commissioner, James Christoff; Belgian Ambassador, Peter Leenknegt; French Deputy Head of Mission, Jean-Francois Hasperue; Indian High Commissioner, G. Balasubramanian; Israeli Ambassador, Michael Freeman; Norwegian’s Minister Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission, Kristin Waeringsaase; development partners’ representatives as well as government functionaries.

He said the event was the first  engagement to build strong ties with the diplomatic community and partners for a beneficial relationship.

Read Also: Otu gives automatic employment to ex-corps member who honoured dad

Otu said the state has opportunities for cooperation in infrastructure; health care; education; social development and humanitarian services; agribusiness; commerce and industry; manufacturing; solid minerals; oil and gas; tourism; and hospitality.

“We have keyed into Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aligning it with our People’s First Agenda.

“We are negotiating with the Federal Government to take over the over 600 megawatts power plant at Ikot Nyong in Odukpani Local Government, capitalising on the Electricity Law to establish our energy efficiency for development.

“Besides, there is a state-owned 33-megawatts power plant, and in six months, the state will draw gas pipeline supply to the plant,” he said.

“We are committed to agriculture. We have completed soil mapping of the state. So, investors can operate with informed data on soil type and arability for cultivation.”