By Joseph Kingston
As the Governor of Cross River state, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, rolls out the drums to celebrate his 66th Birthday, Cross Riverians have given different opinions on whether or not celebration is worth the trouble.
PillarToday’s investigations revealed that while majority of Cross Riverians view Governor Otu as showing promises of ability to turn things around, especially after years of neglect or underdevelopment, critics say the celebration should be low key due to structural challenges including widespread hunger.
Those who spoke positively about the Governor’s performance argued that his approach has been characterized by ambition in infrastructure, tourism, agriculture amongst others, and trying to reset the narratives for Cross River State.
The political class, religious and traditional leaders who responded to our reporter’s inquest, seemed to have agreed that the Governor should be celebrated for using his 66 years on earth to add meaning to the lives of his people.
In a press statement, the Archbishop of Calabar and President of the Cross River State Christian Leaders Forum, Archbishop Josef Bassey, said Otu was embarking on a restoration mission, describing the Governor’s administration as “a divine project of restoration, quietly rewriting the story of a battered state.”
All the religious leaders interviewed corroborated, submitting that the Governor should be celebrated for bringing moral, infrastructural, educational and security improvement back to a State they considered neglected.
On his part, the Chairman of the Cross River state Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Oval Elder Solomon Osim Edward said “it is only wicked people who do not celebrate a good thing.”
Apparently addressing the Governor in a goodwill message, HRM Edward, who doubles as the Paramount Ruler of Abi local government area, said, “Our Dear Governor, from what Cross Riverians have witnessed and observe you do, you’re a man whose heart is always with the people.
“Your people-focused policies and programmes are tacitly rewriting the chequered history of our dear State for a great future. I have come to the conclusion that you didn’t emerge by manipulation, you are a man from God Almighty Himself.
“This explains why your imprint is everywhere, very visible in the Southern, Central and the Northern senatorial districts of our State. You’re touching the lives of the people, you’re touching unemployment, infrastructure, economy, retirees’ welfare, and indeed everything.”
For Capt. Eno U. Inah (Rtd.), Commissioner for Aviation, the Governor’s leadership “continues to inspire and uplift Aviation infrastructure/ assets, innovation, and rekindles hope for a greater Cross River State.”
The Academia was not left out. Speaking through a goodwill message, Dr Ita Ikpeme, Provost, and Dr Samuel Urom, Chairman Governing Council of the College of Health Technology, said Cross River state people were celebrating “not just a leader, but a father whose life radiates kindness, wisdom, and deep love for his people.”
According to them, the Governor’s “vision and genuine passion for education has brought a refreshing wind of renewal across our state,” adding “You have rekindled hope in our youths, restored confidence in our institutions, and strengthened the foundation for a brighter academic future.”
In his opinion, a political analyst, Chief Ibor Ekpenyong told our reporter that Cross River has the sacred duty of celebrating the Governor, and enumerated Otu’s achievements in office to include significant improvement in agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and tourism.
“Let me say this without the fears of being tagged a sycophant, Gov Otu’s efforts at reviving Obudu Ranch Resort, restoring Marina Resort and boosting Calabar Carnival, ensuring increase in internally generated revenue (IGR) are worth celebrating”, he stated, and credited him for “making security a visible priority.”
He, however, urged the Governor not to focus on “non-essential projects which do not translate to immediate economic benefits to the people of Cross River state,” and advised that the Governor should work to be remembered as someone who allowed opposition to thrive.
“While political stability may be helpful, a mono-party system can weaken checks and balances. Without opposition, there’s a risk of groupthink or lack of robust critique of policies,” he stated.
According to him, “structural challenges-poverty, infrastructure deficit, revenue shortfalls — remain big hurdles. Some of the goodwill could be eroded if ordinary people don’t feel improvements in their daily lives: access to good roads, reliable power and water, decent schools and clinics.
Investigations indicated that the thunderous ovation that rankles throughout the land for Governor Bassey Edet Otu at 66 is evidence that wherever good leadership is given, it is rewarded with gratitude and corporate appreciation.
As Governor Bassey Otu crosses his 66th year on earth, it is expected that the accolades of Cross River State and its people will propel him to greater achievements.
Joseph Kingston is the Chief Operating Officer of the Pillar Today Newspaper
