By Magnus Effiong
President Bola Tinubu would get not less than 96 percent of the total votes in Cross River state during the 2027 presidential election, Governor Bassey Otu has said.
The Governor made the remarks in Calabar during a ‘Thank You/Endorsement’ rally organized by the people of Cross River southern senatorial district in honour of President Tinubu and the Governor.
Addressing the mammoth crowd who gathered at the UJ Esuene stadium, Calabar for the rally, the Governor said for the fact that Tinubu has kept his promises to Nigeria and Cross River in particular, the president merits 96 percent of the votes in the State.
“With the support of the President, the Bakassi deep seaport, for instance, is seeing the light of day. The President has promised to dredge the Calabar channel from the present port to where the deep seaport is located. With this and more, the President deserves 96 percent of our votes,” he stated.
The Governor also highlighted his achievements within two years to include economic reforms, infrastructural upgrade, human capacity building, enhanced security amongst many others.
“We enlisted 13 dramatic areas of intervention when we assumed office. Today, I can say we’ve laid a solid economic foundation. Our GDP has risen, productivity levels are higher, and Cross River is now a destination of choice for investment and national conferences,” the Governor said.
He further emphasized security improvements, highlighting the disbandment of over 16 militant camps and the success of the state’s amnesty programme.
“Today, only one camp remains, and its deadline has passed. By this month, no criminal camp will exist in Cross River State,” he affirmed.
On tourism, the Governor announced that the upcoming December carnival would mark a grand 20-year celebration, promising it would be the biggest the State has ever hosted, adding “The whole world is coming to Cross River this December.”
On areas still begging for attention, the Governor appealed for the people’s patience and understanding, especially from close associates who may feel neglected.
“This burden is heavy. Running a State is hard; running 36 States is harder. That’s why I say, give Mr. President time. Watch what he will do,” he noted.
The Governor ended his speech on emotional note, calling for continued prayers and expressing hope for a better tomorrow, adding “Your situation must change. Whether the devil likes it or not, tomorrow shall be greater.”
Representatives of the seven local government areas, which constitute the southern senatorial district of the State, said Out had, within two years, exceeded their expectation, and vowed to embark on serious grassroots mobilization for the victory of both the President and the Governor in 2027.
In a goodwill message, Etubom (Arch) Bassey Eyo Ndem, a member of the Etubom Traditional Council of the Palace of the Obong of Calabar, told the Governor that Cross River people were happy that they made a right choice.
“When we stood with you three years ago and pledged to work for the rescue and renewal of our beloved state, I believed in your capacity. But let me be honest—you have exceeded even my highest expectations.
“You brought governance back to the people: potholes are disappearing, new roads are emerging, and hope is returning to the grassroots. That is the real people-first agenda,” he stated.
The highpoint of the event was the formal endorsement of both the President and the Governor.
While Senator Florence Ita-Giwa moved a motion for endorsement of President Tinubu, and seconded by High Chief Edem Duke, the immediate past deputy governor, Prof. Ivara Esu moved for Gov Otu’s endorsement and was promptly seconded by Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong.
National Assembly members including Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, political leaders across the State, religious land traditional leaders, captains of industries amongst others graced the occasion.
