Governor Bassey Otu.
BY Dominic Kidzu
I ran into a short video clip in which Dr. Julius Okputu, former Chairman of Cross River State Civil Service Commission, saluted the admirable good nature and affable political temper of Governor Bassey Otu, who he believes has disclosed a certain kind of genius in the way that he has made himself a manuficient patron of his own predecessors and peers. Okputu argues that for continuing the projects of his predecessors and for planning to celebrate all of them in grand style for their leadership, the governor has shown a complete absence of envy in his character and a determined drive for maturity and leadership.
This display of maturity would ultimately set him apart from his peers who may have been rather tetchy or at best peevish in their relalationship with one another, as if readying for a fresh competition about who was the greatest. The governor may have come to the inexorable realisation that leaders may not always be spartan saints, but individuals who have had the opportunity to lead the people in service, who have helped in creating a better society by elevating the universal human condition. Honouring such people for their excellent deeds is a celebration of the state itself and it’s rich harvest of great men who held sway in the past and steered the turbulent ship of state through the storms and the ontowad waves of yesterday- years.
Probably the oldest man that ever became governor of Cross River State, Apostle, Prince Bassey Otu arrived at Government House fully matured and fermented, like a hundred – years old bottle of wine from the ancient cellars in Burgundy. He has been delibrate and purposeful. Hesitant too, and sometimes even ponderous before taking a consequential decision that may affect the livelihood of the people. He appears never to be in a hurry, nor could he be hurried. He seems to understands that the art of statecraft is not just a 100 metres sprint, it is that too, and much more besides. Coming to office at a little over 60 certainly has a concert of unique advantages!
Okputu posits that Governor Clement Ebri also consolidated on the achievements of the governors before him when he came into office. “Governor Ebri was a shinning star among his peers and his performance during that brief tenure, which was painfully truncated by military intervention, placed him on a very high pedestal which is the reason why he has remained relevant at the national level of the nation’s polity. Ebri also appointed men of sound minds to work with him and his administration was exemplary. Governor Otu does not joke with Ebri, who has been part of his government at a private and mutually respecting level”
“You can safely call Governor Clement Ebri the father of modern Cross River because he it was who sent a very young Liyel Imoke to the Senate and made an even younger Donald Duke his commissioner of finance. He was not petty, he was a consumate intellectual himself, he saw good promise in these young men and pushed them to go forward. It is not a surprise that they later became governors of note and served the state creditably. Ebri operated from a higher plain of intellect and philosophy, far above petty jealousy. He is indeed a philosopher king. One day I met him at the airport and offered to carry his bag. He smiled and told me that tomorrow I might not be around to help him carry it, so let him do so. And he carried his bag himself. He always flies second class even when he can easily afford business class.”
Dr Okputu described Governor Bassey Otu as a broadminded leader who has invited God into the running of his administration and that is the source of his uncommon humility and humanity.” I was there on the 18th of October when he invited a broad expanse of stakeholders and people who had for many years been active on the political and administrative sphere but have for long been forgotten, to his 66th birthday celebration. A lot of persons I have not seen for many years, I saw them there. He invited almost everyone from Bakassi to Obanliku, all the 25 state constituencies were represented at that event. People like Chief (Mrs) Martina Odom, Dr. Patrick Iwara who was a godfather in those days, Chief (Mrs) Isse, etc, who had been forgotten. ”
This is what the fear of God does to a leader. What is coming next, the recognition of our former governors has not been done before and is very commendable.” And just the way Dr Opkutu foresaw, November 30 became a night of a million stars as five governors, five epochs of the rich political history of Cross River State came together in glorious and exquisite colours, bedecked in tuxedos, suits and African attires to be celebrated for their hardwork, vision, steadfastness and service to motherland. Dr Clement Ebri, Mr Donald Duke, Senator Liyel Imoke, Prof. Ben Ayade and of course the sitting governor, Senator Bassey Otu. An unforgettable night of history, class and pizzazz in
the way that only the debonair Governor Bassey Otu could host. And there was no contest about who was the brightest bulb in the chandelier on the day, all five of them simply formed one big beautiful chandelier that shun so brightly upon the soul of our dear state. Congratulations to all our leaders and living legends and above all, big ups to Governor Bassey Otu and all the masses of our people.
Kidzu is a Journalist and political analyst based in Calabar.
