.By:Joseph Abasi-Abasi, Calabar
The Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor and Director General of the “Prince Is Coming Movement”, Chief Emmanuel Ironbar, has taken the lead in rallying support for a massive endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu, declaring that the movement’s emergence is rooted in years of political struggle and eventual triumph.
Speaking ahead of the planned April 18 mega rally in Ikom, Ironbar described the “Prince Is Coming Movement” as a product of “pain, sacrifice, and resilience,” tracing its origin to the political events of 2015 and 2019 when, according to him, Governor Otu faced systemic setbacks despite his popularity and performance.
He recounted how loyalists, undeterred by what they perceived as political injustice, mobilised across the state’s three senatorial districts, transforming an initial support base into a formidable grassroots movement that ultimately delivered Otu’s victory at the polls.
“That man you said had no resources, that man you said was finished, is today the governor,” Ironbar said, emphasising that the movement’s faith-driven resolve played a critical role in shaping the state’s current political landscape.
Highlighting the administration’s achievements, the Director General pointed to what he described as unprecedented infrastructural expansion, noting that hundreds of kilometres of roads are either completed or ongoing across all local government areas. He added that improvements in security, youth empowerment, and public sector employment have repositioned the state.
According to him, the revival of legacy projects such as Tinapa, Cultural center, Obudu Ranch, and the Calabar International Convention Centre reflects the governor’s commitment to restoring Cross River’s economic assets, while investments in agriculture and education, including youth training programmes are laying the foundation for sustainable growth.
Ironbar further stated that governance under Otu has ushered in a new political culture marked by peace and stability, noting that recent political activities in the state have been largely free of violence.
“For the first time in years, Cross River people can go about their businesses and return home safely. Governance is now people-oriented, and the results are visible,” he said.
Building on this foundation, the movement’s secretary, Barr Ekpenyong Akiba announced that preparations have been concluded for the mega rally expected to attract over 1.5 million participants. The rally, scheduled for April 18 at Ikom, is aimed at endorsing both President Tinubu and Governor Otu for the 2027 general elections.
He disclosed that a Central Planning Committee, comprising key political actors and stakeholders, has been inaugurated to coordinate the event, with subcommittees handling mobilisation, security, logistics, finance, and welfare.
Describing the rally as “the mother of all endorsements,” he said it is being fully sponsored by members of the movement and supporters of the president and governor as a show of appreciation for their leadership.
He cited key federal interventions such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, social investment programmes, and the proposed deep seaport as evidence of President Tinubu’s commitment to Cross River State.
“Our endorsement is driven by performance and strategic alignment with the federal government. Cross River has never had it this good in terms of attention and development,” he said.
Both the Director General and the Secretary called on residents, political groups, and stakeholders to participate actively in the rally, describing it as a critical step toward consolidating the state’s development trajectory.
They maintained that continued support for the APC-led administration at both state and federal levels would ensure sustained growth and greater dividends of democracy for the people of Cross River State.
