BY: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
In appreciation for the overwhelming support from political stakeholders which necessitated his emergence as the flag-bearer of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC) in Cross River State, the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu had commenced a statewide thank-you tour beginning with the northern part of the State.
With him in the tour include APC stakeholders across the State, had gathered in Obanliku and Obudu Local Government Areas as the first points of call, with visits to traditional fathers, the political and grassroots population.
Addressing the crowd that greeted the event, the governorship hopeful, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu expressed gratitude to the people of Obanliku and Obudu, particularly the delegates, who overwhelmingly voted for him in May during the APC governorship primary election.
In his words, “i can’t thank you enough, especially the delagates who unanimously voted for me to lead the party in the forthcoming elections, I want to assure you that your efforts and confidence will not be in vain. We will build a Cross River State that we will all be proud of.
“We will build on the legacies of Sen. Ben Ayade who has done extremely well in the areas of industrialisation and human capital development. We will sustain, expand, and develop the industries; getting our people involved in a bid to liberate the State from over-dependence on federal allocation.”
While appealing for the People’s continuous support, the APC flag bearer assured Cross Riverians of a harmonious, peaceful and prosperous Cross River that will be reminiscent of the yearnings and aspirations of the citizens.
Speaking during an interactive session with the monarchs, Paramount Rulers of Obanliku and Obudu Local Government Areas, HRM. Dr. Amos Etem and HRM Uti Jeddy Agba respectively extolled the glowing antecedents and track record of Sen. Otu while appreciating the governorship hopeful for his love for the state.
The Royal Fathers noted that the emergence of Sen. Otu was a clear indication of the people’s will, which highlights a rotational political equilibrium for equity, justice and fair play.
The traditional custodians, who blessed the governorship candidate and his political pursuits, also beseeched the potential governor upon assumption of office to strengthen the traditional institution, which there described as “the bastion of grassroot sanity in the society.”
In her address, the Chairman of Obanliku LGA, Hon. Margaret Inde said Otu’s countless and unselfish service to the society is a testament of what Cross Riverians should expect when he becomes governor.
Recounting with nostalgia the unprecedented empowerment and impact by Sen. Otu in the State while at the National Assembly, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Event Management, Hon. Ken Aklah said Otu’s achievement in human capital development will remain indubitably a record yet to be broken, expressing optimism that the consummate politician will make a difference as governor of the State come 2023.
Notable personalities like the APC State Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Eba, Amb. Soni Abang (the Director General of Prince Otu Campaign Team), Ntufam Peter Ojie, all spoke lucidly on the need for power to return to the South and the faith in Prince Otu as the best choice for the governorship seat of the State.
