Gov. Bassey Otu .
By Anietie Akpan
Facts have emerged that Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu’s cancellation of his leave extension by the State House of Assembly was due to his appointment as the Chairman of the Screening Committee of the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship primary in Anambra state.
Too sources told Pillar Today that, “the Governor is back in the country and he is in Awka already to commence the party’s national assignment.
“As a result of this, the Governor needed to cancel the leave extension and honour the national assignment from the party. And immediately after the primary on Saturday, April 5, he will return back to Calabar to resume work”.
It was also gathered that there was a mix up between the Speaker and the Secretary to State Government as it is said that there was no formal go ahead for the extension from the Governor even though the State House of Assembly had while approving the earlier three weeks leave said there may be an extension if the need arises.
A press release dated April 4 by Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Matthew Okache said Governor Otu has officially resumed duty, opting not to proceed with the two-week leave extension earlier approved by the State House of Assembly.
The release said, “the development was made known to the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, via a phone call from the Governor, during which he informed the Speaker of his decision to resume official duties immediately.
“According to the Governor, the decision to cancel the leave extension was due to adjustments in his earlier scheduled engagements, which have been rescheduled, necessitating his early return to duty.
“The Assembly had, during its April 4 plenary, approved the extension following a formal request transmitted to the House and read by the Clerk”.
Recall that Governor Otu, had communicated to the State Legislative Assembly that he will commence an annual leave from March 11 to April 8.
Accordingly, the State House of Assembly on March 11, accepted the communication from the governor for the three weeks annual leave.
“The Governor is here by granted three weeks leave effective from Tuesday 11th March to 8th April 2025. If need be the leave will be extended to enable the Governor rest so that he can continue the good work that he is doing in the State.” Ayambem noted.
