Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State marked his 60th birthday last Wednesday in Calabar with a grand dinner event organised for him by his appointees and friends.
The governor, who spoke of his gratitude for the show of love to him and his family, also used the opportunity to speak of his inner strength and resolve to discharge his assignment in office as Governor for the good of the people, the state, and the country at large.
In his words; “I’m 64 years old and I’m strong as a sportsman. I’m stronger and can do what many in their forties can’t do. I give God the Glory. I’m at peace with God and men.”
Accompanied by his wife, Rev. Mrs. Eyoawan Otu to the dinner which had the state deputy governor, the state Chief Judge, the Speaker of the state legislature, and all the State Executive Council members including the Chief of Staff Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, who coordinated the dinner, the Governor said, “I want to thank all my friends and family. Even my foes, I thank them.”
In a jovial manner, the governor explained that he also thanked his foes because “they don’t come out direct to say they are enemies; even where there is enmity; I love them, and because I love them and the Bible is very strict; that when a man lives according to the dictates of God, your enemies don’t have an option but to be in peace with you. That is why I enjoy the peace I enjoy today.”
Again he explained, “I say so because if you look at me, I am 64 years old but I’m like a forty-year-old, what I can do, most forties can’t do it. I feel as strong as a sportsman, and I believe that God is Supreme.”
He noted that in Government, he now has a new family.
His words, “I have come into a good family. Just like my first family growing up. Our parents taught us to love each other even when my father was strict; I received many strokes of a cane to make me a good child. So, I have come into a new good family, which is made of the newly appointed executive council of Cross River State.
“The new family includes the deputy governor, the House Speaker, the Secretary to the State Government, all the appointees, their spouses, and everyone. My plea with them is that if there is anyone I have offended in the cause of my appointment, pardon me; I’m only a human being. Nobody is infallible. And nobody retains the monopoly of knowledge.”
Adding, “However, I believe, if we are together, we will get to our destination. Whatever happens, it happens for a purpose. There is a need for us to be our brother’s keeper. It is only on that ground, that we will be remembered. We have a journey; the journey is to make the Cross River State be in peace. Without laying blame on the corridors of anybody, we have gotten to the lowest that we could, and it’s time for Cross River State to rise.
“The contribution of each and everyone is required. We must strive to achieve excellence in everything we do.
“I always tell people, if I’m given a job or assignment; say, to sweep a floor, I will sweep the floor so clean, even my enemies will agree that it is clean but if there is any quarrel, I won’t be bothered because I would have been satisfied that I did what was required.”
Otu charged his appointees to be humble and to show concern for others, “we must not sleep if all of us are not happy, nobody came to the world to see off the other, we were all created by God and born of a woman. We must bury whatever clannish tendencies that we have, we are all Cross Riverians; nobody chooses where to be born, since we have found ourselves here, we must make it great. It is the challenge that has fallen on us and we have to make the state great.”
He assured that the state has begun her “journey to prosperity. We will build the type of sub-national which others will envy us. We will do the best that we can for the good of our people, the state, and the country. “
He reiterated, “Where you find yourself is where God has allowed you to serve and to perform; So perform and you will get promotion.”
There were different performances such as cultural dances, comedy, and Carnival revelers that thrilled the guests who came from within and outside the state to grace the evening. The guests were all given a teaser of what to expect in December during this year’s Carnival Calabar.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor Mr. Emmanuel Ironbar spoke of travail Otu had gone through politically in the state right from when he attempted to return to the Senate in 2015 and 2019 but God designed it so that he got elected in 2023 as Governor.
He rejoiced in the success of the governor because it has given hope and opportunities to many who would have been nowhere.
“We are grateful to God and we are happy for the goodness and grace of God in the life of our governor. We wish him God’s wisdom, strength, stronger health, and long life,” said the Chief of Staff.
