By Fred Abua
A visionary leader, an astute thinker, and a man of unwavering integrity, Rt. Hon. Peter Agbe Odey (PhD) has distinguished himself through his dedication to excellence and service. From his early years of student activism to his distinguished career in public service and development, he has consistently demonstrated a rare blend of intellect, charisma, and compassion. His story is not just one of personal success but of inspiring others, shaping policies, and fostering meaningful change. It is only fitting to reflect on the values he embodies and the legacy he continues to build.
Hon. Peter Odey’s journey to prominence gained international exposure through his role as a Conflict Advisor at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with assignments in Kuwait, Sudan, and Abuja. He later served as the Head of Risk Management and Security at the British High Commission before transitioning to politics to pursue his aspirations of public service.
Dr Peter Odey’s initial foray into politics was not without challenges. The resilient fighter who has come to be known by some as the ‘gentle lion’ once contested and lost both the chairmanship of his Local Government Council and the State House of Assembly seat before his eventual election as the representative for Ogoja State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly in 2015. Re-elected in 2019, he went on to serve as the Leader of the House. From that moment, his political trajectory witnessed a meteoric rise, culminating in his current position as Deputy Governor of Cross River State.
As a legislator, Hon. Odey made an indelible impact, championing policies that advanced education and sustainable development. He sponsored the landmark bill that transformed the Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) into the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS). This visionary legislation expanded the university’s academic scope, allowing it to admit students into disciplines such as medicine and law – opportunities that previously required Cross Riverians to seek education in federal universities or outside the state at great expense. The transition also created numerous job opportunities for citizens.
Beyond this achievement, Hon. Odey sponsored eight additional bills and moved eleven motions, including legislation that established the State Polytechnic and another that domesticated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His legislative contributions reflect his deep commitment to improving education, infrastructure, governance and general well-being in Cross River State.
While fulfilling his legislative duties, Hon. Peter Odey was also known for his generosity and quiet philanthropy. Through scholarships, bursaries, and job placement support, he uplifted his constituents, helping many secure opportunities in the military, civil service, and beyond. His ability to lobby the executive arm for jobs and political appointments further cemented his reputation as a leader who prioritizes the welfare of his people.
As Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey plays a crucial role in the Senator Prince Bassey Otu administration, which has remained committed to its ‘People First’ mantra. Both the Governor and his Deputy recently inspected ongoing projects across the state, including the 12-km Ndok Junction-Abakpa-Igoli-Moniaya Ring Road, internal roads in Igoli, the 5-km Eboh-Ukelle-Benue Road, rehabilitation works on the Bekwarra axis of the Ogoja-Vandeikya, construction of Governor’s Lodge in Ogoja, Restoration of Power Supply to Bekwarra LGA after 15 years of outage, installation of Solar Powered Street Light along Igoli-Okuku Road and the Obudu International Cargo Airport (to mention only some of the projects in Northern Cross River State where the Deputy Governor comes from). Many of these projects are nearing completion, a testament to the administration’s commitment to infrastructural development.
Beyond his political office, Hon. Odey has personally invested in his community, establishing a hotel in Ogoja that provides direct employment for more than 50 people, most of whom are from the local area. His initiative serves as an example to privileged sons and daughters of Ogoja, demonstrating that development can be driven from within rather than focusing solely on investments in larger cities.
Regrettably, some people have remained fixated on superficial expectations of political leadership, measuring effectiveness solely by the number of widely publicized “empowerment” programs, which often benefit only a few party faithful. The standard empowerment items – such as sewing machines, motorcycles, and tricycles – often end up being sold off, with recipients using the funds for entirely different pursuits. Although Hon. Odey has engaged in these ‘empowerments’ and will continue to do so, his focus has always tilted more to meaningful, behind-the-scenes support that directly transforms lives and improves the standard of living for his people. He now prioritizes targeted interventions tailored to the specific needs of individuals, ensuring a more sustainable impact.
True leadership extends beyond handing out resources – it requires vision, patience, and the ability to navigate governance effectively. As Deputy Governor, Hon. Odey’s responsibilities span policy implementation, conflict resolution, and state-wide governance. It is not surprising, though, that some mistakenly expect him to run an independent agenda from that of the Governor; they fail to understand that a performing Deputy Governor is one who aligns with and strengthens the vision of the Governor, rather than operating in conflict with his principal.
Many Deputy Governors across Nigeria have strained relationships with their principals because they misunderstand their role, attempting to outshine or operate at odds with the Governor. Dr. Peter Odey is far too astute for such miscalculations. He understands that his duty is to provide unwavering support to his principal, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, recognizing that the administration’s collective achievements are also his own. His loyalty and strategic approach have contributed to the Governor’s resounding success, as evidenced by the numerous transformational projects across Cross River State.
Rt. Hon. Peter Odey has demonstrated strategic leadership, political acumen, and administrative effectiveness, making significant contributions to the stability and progress of Cross River State. His impact should not be judged by his consistent dedication to governance, policy direction, and crisis management.
Today, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, an embodiment of true leadership exemplified by long-term progress, strategic vision, and the ability to effect lasting change, is Acting Governor while His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu is enjoying his well-deserved annual leave for the next 3 weeks.
Barr. Fred Abua (JP) is Press Secretary to the Acting Governor of Cross River State.
