Gov. Bassey Otu.
By Anietie Akpan
The resolve by the Cross River state government led by Senator Bassey Otu, to honour the immediate past four civilian governors of the state has been described as a eadership, maturity, forgiveness, and magnanimity.
In a statement at weekend made available to Pillar Today, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Stakeholder and Coalition Hopeful, Mr. Austine Ibok said with the planned honour, Governor Otu has demonstrated “leadership, maturity, forgiveness, and magnanimity by setting aside political differences to honour his predecessors”.
In doing so, he said Otu has modeled the true spirit of statesmanship and this singular act is a strong message of unity, one that many leaders across Nigeria can learn from.
As members of the opposition, Ibok stated, “we sincerely commend His Excellency Prince Bassey Otu for this historic and healing initiative. Appreciation does not erode our responsibility; therefore, while we celebrate his good works, we shall also continue to offer constructive criticism whenever necessary, always in the interest of Cross River State”.
The four democratically elected indigenous Governors of Cross River State to be honour edu are: Dr. Clement Ebri, Mr. Donald Duke, Senator Liyel Imoke, and Prof. Ben Ayade, and they are set to receive the State’s highest Merit Honour for Leadership on November 30, 2025.
This special date coincides with the annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, which traditionally signals the official start of the Christmas season in Cross River State. It also marks the opening of the world-famous Carnival Calabar, celebrating its landmark 20th anniversary this year.
This recognition according to Ibok, is unprecedented and represents a bold, unifying step in Nigerian politics. For the first time in the nation, a sitting Governor will formally and publicly honour all past democratically elected indigenous Governors of his state, irrespective of political differences or past political battles.
For this gesture, he said, “Governor Bassey Edet Otu deserves deep appreciation for initiating this noble gesture”.
As part of the honour, the former Governors will have their names and statues permanently inscribed on the Walls of Heroes at the Millennium Park. In addition, they will each receive *24-carat gold Star Medals* and other distinguished symbols of leadership excellence.
Highlights of Their Legacies
• Dr. Clement Ebri
Remembered for stabilising democratic governance during the early years of the Third Republic, Dr. Ebri is widely respected for his calm leadership, administrative discipline, and commitment to institutional growth.
• Mr. Donald Duke
Mr. Duke’s tenure marked a turning point in the state’s tourism revolution. He championed the creation and global recognition of Carnival Calabar, Obudu Cattle Ranch, and Tinapa Resort Mega-tourism initiatives, Urban Renewal, and economic diversification are placing Cross River on the international tourism map.
• Sen. Liyel Imoke
Renowned for his focus on infrastructure, rural development, and social welfare, Senator Imoke consolidated the state’s tourism foundation while investing heavily in health, community development, and youth empowerment.
• Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade
Prof. Ayade is known for his industrialisation drive, super-highway and deep-sea port vision, and humanitarian policy style, (FOOD ON THE TABLE). His emphasis on citizen-centered governance and industrial projects marked a unique chapter in the state’s growth trajectory, but unfortunately, despite his great vision, ideas, and innovation, his government was marred with poor management due to his younger brother Dr Frank’s overbearing influence in governance.
He congratulated all the awardees, Governor Otu for his exemplary gesture, and to the good people of Cross River State as “we enter another festive season of culture, unity, and progress”.
