By Frank Ulom
A political pressure group, CODE 888, has formally endorsed the re-election bid of Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, and his deputy, Dr Peter Odey, unveiling its “Complete The 8” campaign to advocate the continuation of the state’s long-standing power rotation arrangement.
The endorsement was disclosed on Thursday in Calabar by the Director General of CODE 888, Engr. Maurice Nkong, who said the group’s campaign was founded on the principles of equity, justice and fairness.
Nkong, in briefing a selected journalists, explained that CODE 888 evolved from the “Back to South Campaign,” first launched on February 19, 2020, and described the organisation as a political pressure group committed to preserving what it called the political balance that has sustained peace and stability in Cross River State since 1999.
He stressed that the group was neither launching a political party nor attacking any individual or senatorial district but was advocating adherence to the established convention that allows each senatorial district to complete two consecutive four-year terms in office.
“We have not come to announce the birth of another political party. Neither have we gathered to attack any individual or region. We are here to give voice to a principle that has sustained peace, mutual trust and political stability in Cross River State for over two decades. That principle is equity, justice and fairness,” Nkong said.
The group argued that since the return to democratic rule, the Southern Senatorial District produced Donald Duke, who governed from 1999 to 2007, the Central Senatorial District produced Liyel Imoke, who served from 2007 to 2015, while the Northern Senatorial District produced Ben Ayade, who completed two terms between 2015 and 2023.
According to CODE 888, the South should be accorded the same opportunity by allowing Governor Otu, who assumed office in 2023, to complete a constitutionally permissible second term.
“It is, therefore, the considered position of CODE 888 that, in the interest of equity, justice, fairness, continuity and political stability, the South should be given the same opportunity enjoyed by the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts to complete eight years in office,” Engr. Nkong stated.
The group also cited what it described as the administration’s performance in key sectors as justification for its endorsement.
Among the achievements highlighted were improvements in security through the state’s Operation Okwok community policing initiative, enhanced waste management, rehabilitation of major roads and public infrastructure, support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and reforms in the health sector.
Engr. Nkong claimed that security challenges such as kidnapping, armed robbery, farmer-herder clashes and cult-related violence had significantly reduced under the current administration, while Calabar had regained its reputation as one of Nigeria’s cleanest cities through improved environmental sanitation.
He further pointed to the establishment of a ₦2 billion counterpart fund for MSME development in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI), the disbursement of an additional ₦500 million to nano and micro businesses across the state’s 18 local government areas, and the relaunch of the Enterprise Development Centre.
In the health sector, he said the government had renovated 100 primary healthcare facilities, recruited 2,000 health workers and strengthened immunisation programmes across the state.
While acknowledging that every Nigerian has a constitutional right to seek elective office, CODE 888 appealed to political stakeholders to prioritise political morality and respect for established conventions that promote unity.
“Democracy is strengthened not only by constitutional rights but also by political morality, mutual understanding and respect for established conventions that promote peace and unity,” Nkong said.
The group announced plans to embark on consultations, grassroots mobilisation, policy dialogues and advocacy campaigns across the 18 local government areas to build public support for its position.
It also pledged to engage traditional rulers, youths, women, religious leaders and political stakeholders across party lines while maintaining peaceful and issue-based advocacy.
The DG CODE 888 appealed for balanced coverage of the group’s activities, insisting that its campaign was centred on preserving equity rather than promoting personalities.
“Our message is simple: Equity is not a favour. Justice is not a privilege. Fairness is not negotiable. These are the pillars upon which enduring peace and sustainable political stability are built,” he said.
The group further reaffirmed its commitment to lawful democratic engagement as it pushes for the continuation of the state’s rotational governorship arrangement.
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