Calabar, Nigeria – The Special Advisers’ Forum in Cross River State has passed a vote of confidence on Governor Bassey Otu, stating that there is no vacancy in the Government House come 2027.
This was disclosed during a press briefing by the Forum on Friday, 7th March 2025, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Calabar.
Led by the Chairman Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba (Special Adviser on General Duties), Vice Chairman Hon. Torita Rosemary Odey (Special Adviser on Women Mobilisation & Development), and Secretary Barr. Gilbert Agbor (Special Adviser on Asset Management and Recovery), the Forum in one voice, categorically said, “The Governor has done very well” in the last year and 10 months, “So, there is no vacancy come 2027 as we pass a vote of confidence on him.”
Special Advisers’ Forum, Cross River State, and members of the State’s NUJ
The forum mentioned several awarded, completed, and ongoing projects across the three Senatorial Districts of the state as a yardstick for the vote.
Speaking of the Governor’s achievements in the Northern Senatorial District, Mr Raphael Morphy, Special Adviser on Projects, Programmes Monitoring and Evaluation (DPPME), listed road construction and rehabilitation, electrification, transportation, healthcare, aviation among others, which has taken a new turn.
According to Morphy, Ogoja, Yala, Bekwarra, and Obudu, have witnessed unprecedented development in road infrastructure, healthcare, electricity, aviation, transportation, and more under Otu’s 22 months in power.
“Ndok Junction in Ogoja has a new look, and several roads have been awarded to the Local Government as well. In Yala, construction of the Yache-Wanokom-Wanikade and Okpoma roads is ongoing. In Bekwarra, the Governor has provided transformers aimed at boosting electricity supply in an area long plagued by power outages. For Obudu, the International Cargo Airport is 90% complete, and there is massive road construction as well. There is also revitalisation of our Primary Health Centres (PHCs),” Morphy said.
In the Central Senatorial District, Barr. Agbor listed Otu’s achievements to include, “Ongoing road construction and rehabilitation in Ikom, Abi, Yakurr, Obubra, Boki, among others. The construction of the N470 million General Hospital in Ikom is ongoing. His Excellency approved 20 out of 82 interventions for the PHCs, and six were for Central, including Ikom, Boki and Ugep.
“There are agro projects ongoing in Abi and Obubra. Electrification projects are also ongoing, including the commissioning of the solar power grid in Etomi, which covers six communities in Etung,” Agbor disclosed.
For the Southern Senatorial District, Mr Effiong Ekpenyong, Special Adviser on Event Management, pointed out that Governor Otu has “Fixed potholes in the Calabar metropolis. In Calabar South, there is a total overhaul of some streets, including New Airport, Jebbs, Abito, Palm Street, and Charmley. The 12km Akamkpa-Oban road, Parliamentary Extension, and others are currently under construction and rehabilitation. Recall also that the Governor has commissioned the dual carriageway Esuk Utan road.
“His Excellency is lighting up 10,000 homes with solar power, street and traffic lights have been returned, and security has improved following the commissioning of Operation Okwok and renovation of security agencies.
“Ongoing renovation of the State Library, Governor’s Office, Executives and Legislators’ Lodges, and several others. Total construction and remodelling of PHCs in Akpabuyo and Odukpani, decongestion of popular markets, constitution of Tertiary Education Boards, improved environmental and waste management, remodelling of Marina Resort, renovation of Tinapa and Obudu Mountain Resorts, Cultural Centre and Botanical Garden which has been transformed into a recreational site, renovation of the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC), among others.
“There is also massive innovation in the tourism sector with the introduction of a 32-day festival calendar, the introduction of Ogoja and Ikom Carnivals, Children Carnival, Big Nights at the Stadium, and Leboku Festival have also been reinstated. Local content/talents have also been raised by 500%, with local artists now being paid over one million. We also introduced the Calabar Love Festival.”
He also mentioned the numerous accomplishments of the wife of the Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, in the health, education, and other sectors.
Concluding, the Forum stated that Cross Riverians should expect more from the current administration.
Present also at the briefing include the Special Advisers on Youths Mobilisation HY Chief Dan Obo, Power Engr. Emmanuel Eneji, Inter-Party Affairs Hon. Nkoyo Otu, Health Dr Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, Media Linus Obogo, among others.
