Cross River 2027: Governor Otu’s Path to Second Term -By Michael Jegede

When Governor Bassey Edet Otu assumed office as the Captain of the Ship of Cross River State on May 29, 2023, he was seen to have come in with a great deal of determination, enthusiasm and passion to serve Cross Riverians and reposition the state for accelerated growth and economic prosperity.

Prior to his 2023 election victory, the governor’s campaign emphasized the ‘People’s First’ approach, presenting a manifesto that prioritized the needs of Cross River State’s citizens and outlined a roadmap for development.

Through diligent effort and in line with his People-First philosophy, Otu has since assumption of office as the Governor of Cross River State made significant strides in fulfilling his campaign promises, with targeted action plans yielding positive outcomes in infrastructure development, agriculture, healthcare, education, security, tourism and job creation.

The governor’s leadership style, which underscores inclusivity and grassroots engagement, has earned him widespread acclaim. His demonstration of the ability to connect with residents and address their concerns has been particularly notable. It could be seen that his programmes and policies have indeed resonated with most Cross Riverians.

As attention turns to the 2027 elections and discussions about possible outcomes in states across the country dominate the political landscape, many have observed that Otu’s path to a second term appears smooth with several factors working in his favour. Some of the key factors believed to have significantly brightened Governor Otu’s chances for second term include his impressive achievements, people-centred governance, and overwhelming endorsements from various individuals, political stakeholders and groups across Cross River State.

Acknowledged as one of the first-term governors with quite an outstanding record of achievements, Otu, in the views of observers, have delivered dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of his people, and made meaningful impact in their lives through his numerous developmental projects. He is on that note said to deserve an easy ride to re-election in 2027.

The House of Reps member representing Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency, Hon Victor Abang, strongly believes that Otu, fondly referred to as Sweet Prince, has an absolutely bright chance of securing a second term, having done excellently well thus far via purposeful, pragmatic and visionary leadership.

According to the lawmaker, ably representing his constituents in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly, “Governor Otu has done wonderfully well. He has tried to reposition state institutions for better service delivery to Cross Riverians. He has done a lot of interventions in different areas to transform Cross River State and put smiles on the faces of our people. The governor has so far demonstrated the capacity to perform and deliver. His footprint of development is seen everywhere across the state in the areas of infrastructure, building and repairing of roads, agriculture, education, healthcare, electricity, security and tourism. His leadership style and people-first approach to governance have been quite unique and remarkable. Under his watch, there has been peace in our state. The governor is carrying everybody along. And Cross Riverians are generally feeling the impact of good governance under his leadership.”

The Head of Department of Entrepreneurship Studies in the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Dr. Casius Ogar, is equally of the opinion that the governor has justified the trust and confidence reposed in him by Cross Riverians, and as such, stands a greater chance of being re-elected.

Dr. Ogar noted that “Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has been able to demonstrate his capacity as governor in the state in terms of human capital development, infrastructural development, economic transformation, and helping to regain the lost glory of the state.

“He 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. He has been constructively developing a partnership with other political parties in the state. A complete gentleman, kind-hearted leader, liberal and listening governor, that takes no delight in the intimidation of people with opposing views.

“If you come to northern Cross River, it’s development everywhere. 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.

“In the interest of Cross River State, Governor Otu has in no small measure 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.”

The university lecturer further stated: “Recently there was massive endorsement for Governor Otu’s second term from the central senatorial district. We also had the 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 parties. In fact, there is going to be more support coming in from coalition parties. He is definitely going to have massive support from opposition parties. The entire Cross Riverians are pleased with his governance approach regardless of party affiliations.

“I am 101% sure that Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu will get a second term by the grace of God. 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.

“I can assure you that Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu is unstoppable. More so that there is an existing practice in the state where if somebody becomes governor, we allow that particular region to do an average of 8 years, the constitutional two terms. 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 region to scuttle the political formular of the state. This understanding has been religiously followed since the inception of the current democratic dispensation in 1999.”

The Secretary of Ikom Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River State, Hon Edo Owan Amba, argued that Otu’s superb and remarkable performance should automatically qualify him for a second term.

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 governor. And so, it is certain that Cross Riverians won’t hesitate to massively support him for second term.

“Again, the zoning arrangement makes 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 senatorial 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.”

In spite of the monumental achievements Sweet Prince is believed to have recorded since he became the Cross River governor, Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, recently mentioned Cross River as one of the seven states where their governors may not return to office for second term in 2027, in a statement signed by the Primate’s media aide.

The Special Adviser to Governor Otu on General Duties, Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, in a quick reaction to the statement attributed to the Primate, maintained that his principal’s return bid was a foregone conclusion as Cross Riverians had already decided even before his second year in office.

While noting that Otu’s re-election was guaranteed, Akiba wondered what was the basis of the Clergyman’s warning to a governor who has been overwhelmingly endorsed by the people across different groups on account of his laudable feats in the various sectors of the state’s economy.

His words: “With due respect to the clergyman, his statement naming His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, as one of the governors that may not win re-election in 2027 is baseless, and therefore unacceptable to the good people of Cross River State. Such a prophecy or thought about a governor that is working tirelessly round the clock to bring succour to his people and make life bearable for them can never come true.

“I have maximum respect for the man of God. I honour his priesthood. But I take total exception to his message. The re-election of our amiable governor is guaranteed, no man can stop it. Otu is God-sent to Cross Riverians and he is evidently running the affairs of the state with the fear of God and His guidance.

“Prince Bassey Otu is a phenomenon, an apostle and pastor living up to his mandate as Cross River helmsman. His empowerment history right from when he was a parliamentarian in the National Assembly during which he earned the sobriquet, Sweet Prince, has remained unbroken. In the history of Cross River State, no governor covered the mileage Sweet Prince has covered in two years in terms of meaningful impact made and achievements recorded. Just look at the endorsements everywhere across the state.

“So, how can the Primate be warning a governor that has won the hearts of his people with his monumental achievements within two years in office? We are talking about a governor that is constructing and repairing roads everywhere, building and upgrading healthcare centres, paying medical bills, paying backlog of gratuity to retirees, opening up Cross River for investment opportunities, offering free education to primary school pupils, saving parents/guardians from financial burden by paying WAEC fees for their wards, employing youths and creating jobs for Cross Riverians.

“Based on the facts on ground about his performance, I am convinced that Otu will easily secure a second term. That is my own prophecy and it will surely come to pass by the grace of God Almighty because it is based on facts.”

Michael Jegede, a journalist, writes from Abuja