By Frank Ulom
The Elders Advisory Council, operating under the aegis of the Cross River Elders Consultative Forum, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Cross River State Governor Bassey Edet Otu for second terms in office in the 2027 general elections.
The Council said the decision followed exhaustive deliberations on the state of the nation and Cross River State during its inaugural formal meeting held on Saturday at Channel View Hotel in Calabar.
According to the elders, the endorsement was based on their confidence in the leadership and direction of both administrations, as well as the need for continuity to consolidate ongoing infrastructure and development projects.
Chairman of the Council and former Cross River State Governor, Chief Clement Ebri, stressed the importance of continuity, saying, “Rome was not built in a day.”
The Council maintained that allowing the current administrations sufficient time to consolidate their programmes would support the completion and sustainability of ongoing development initiatives.
Elders reject external interference
Another major reason cited for the endorsement was the need to protect the political autonomy of Cross River State.
In its communiqué, the Council said it “unequivocally rejects any form of external imposition, undue political interference or attempt by individuals or interests outside the state to dictate the political choices and leadership of Cross River State.”
The elders, drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state, insisted that the decision on who governs Cross River State remains the responsibility of its people.
Among those at the meeting were Dr Fidelis Ugbo, Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, Ntufam Col. P.A.M. Ogar (rtd.) and Eyo Nsa Whiley.
The Council said Cross Riverians must be allowed to determine their political future without undue influence from external interests.
Council adopts advisory role
The Elders Advisory Council also announced the adoption of its Terms of Reference as Chief Adviser to the Government.
It resolved to defend what it described as the legitimate interests of Cross River State, particularly in areas concerning land, natural resources, boundary matters, oil-producing status and resource allocation.
Chief Ebri described the elders as “a reservoir of wisdom”, saying their responsibility was to provide counsel that would be thoughtful, objective and rooted in facts.
He said the Council must remain “a reservoir of ideas and a dependable source of independent, well-informed advice” to the government and the people.
Forum calls for continuity
Earlier, Chairman of the Cross River Elders Consultative Forum, Barrister Eyo Nsa Ekpo, described the gathering as the beginning of a deliberate effort to secure a prosperous future for the state.
Ekpo cautioned against abandoning viable development projects whenever there is a change of administration, arguing that continuity was necessary for sustainable development.
He also urged the elders to promote unity across the state, calling on them to “build bridges, not barriers” across ethnic and sectional lines.
The Forum said its intervention would be guided by the collective interest of Cross River State, with emphasis on unity, development, good governance and the protection of the state’s political and economic interests.