By: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
The Cross River state governor Sen. Bassey Edet Otu has always desired to work with non indigenes towards restoring the state to be the first in all ramifications across the country.
This position was well spelt out by the Special Adviser to the governor on Non Indigenes Affairs, Mazi Okey Maduekwe when he paid a familiarisation visit on the executives of Mboho Afit Ndito Akwa Ibom progressive Association, Cross River State.
He expressed joy and happiness that non indigenes are ready to support the administration of His Excellency, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu to restore the glory of the state.

Maduekwe commended the leadership and members of the Progressive Association for supporting Gov Otu during and after the elections.
Said he “I have come to familiarize with you and to extend the hand of fellowship to you from this administration. As a middle man between government and non indigenes, I need to know whom I am working with”.
It would be recalled that the immediate Special Adviser was an Hausa man. But by his grace the Governor felt I am qualified to take up this position. I can not succeed without knowing and working with you people. His Excellency is very passionate and loving. He likes non indigenes hence these appointments.”

“This administration, he said, is for all irrespective of where you are coming from. I want to assure you that all your requests and demand would be communicated to his Excellency for consideration.
The Special Adviser sued for cooperation and support so as to justify the confidence reposed in him via the appointment.
“Akwa Ibomities constitutes a very large population in Cross River, he added”.
Maduekwe said in future, a Database if all non indigenes would be compiled by his office to ascertain the number of Igbos, Akwa Ibomities, Yorubas, Hausas and Edo people. This will go along way to disseminate information about what government is doing as well as other policies.
“We are witnesses of the ongoing transformation. Water board is been revived, roads as well as agro based projects in the state, Sanity is gradually returning to Calabar. This is a plus for this administration and for all of us.”

He assured that very soon there shall be a Summit for all non indigenes in the state to brainstorm and fashion areas of assistance or collaboration with the government.
Earlier, the President general of the progressive Association, Prof Joseph Offong Uduayang, had welcomed the Special Adviser and his entourage.
The body he said had several decades ago in Cross River, from Bakassi in the South to Obanliku in the northern district of the state.
He recalled that Akwa Ibomities have contributed in the development of the state, physical, human capital/economic investments.

Uduayang had appealed for a plot of land to build her secretariat, give appointment to Mboho Afit Ndito Akwa Ibom progressive Association members to show that they belong.
Onbehalf of the group, they extended the highest assurances of Mboho’s esteemed regards to His Excellency Sen Bassey Otu and wishes him success in office.