Efenji Nicholas and Tony Eteng
By Our Reporter
Former All Progressives Congress (APC) Local Government Chairmanship Aspirant in Bekwarra, Efenji Nicholas, alongside his former campaign coordinator, Tony Eteng, have formally endorsed Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for a second term in office.
The endorsement comes with a pledge to mobilise their extensive support base across the state to work assiduously for the Governor’s reelection in 2027.
In a media chat, the duo declared their continued loyalty to the Governor, expressing absolute confidence that a second term would herald even more significant progress to consolidate the administration’s current gains.
Sharing their perspectives on the state’s current trajectory, the fast-rising young politicians pointed to specific sectoral achievements that justify a “Season of Sweetness” continuation. They described the Bakassi Deep Seaport as a transformative signature project of the Otu administration, noting that by securing federal compliance and attracting approximately $3.5 billion in private investment, the Governor is positioning Cross River as a leading maritime hub in the Gulf of Guinea.
“The Bakassi Deep Seaport is not just a project; it is a gateway to industrialisation and massive job creation for our youth,” they stated. “Governor Otu’s ability to move this from a vision to a verifiable reality, backed by international funding partners like Afreximbank, proves he is a leader who understands the mechanics of a blue economy.”
Beyond maritime infrastructure, Nicholas and Eteng lauded the Governor’s aggressive push in agricultural development, observing that the administration’s support for farmers and agribusiness is effectively repositioning Cross River as a food basket while creating rural wealth.
The duo highlighted the improved security architecture in the state, which has fostered a safer environment for businesses to thrive and residents to go about their daily lives without fear.
They also cited the massive ongoing road projects and urban renewal efforts as evidence of a leader committed to modernisation and connectivity.
Highlighting the Governor’s focus on the next generation, they praised the various empowerment programmes designed to reduce unemployment and equip young Cross Riverians with future-ready skills.
“Under the current administration, there has been significant investment in key tourism sites, including the upgrading of accommodation and facilities in Obudu Mountain Resort, the reacquisition and revitalisation of Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort. There’s the restoration of Marina Resort’s cultural and leisure appeal with new amenities like a pier harbour.
“Carnival Calabar has been revived. Governor Otu revitalised the Carnival, leading to increased attendance of about 42% growth and economic injection of over N14 billion. This achievement has again, reestablished Calabar Carnival as Africa’s Biggest Street Party.
“There’s also reinvigoration of CallyAir that has improved air connectivity to make the state more accessible, supporting tourism growth and generating tax revenue.
“With all these achievements in less than three years in office, we can only beg the Governor to continue in this developmental trajectory beyond 2027,” they declared.
According to Nicholas and Eteng, this track record demonstrates a level of effective leadership and dedication to welfare that validates the administration’s “People First” mandate.
“The ongoing projects initiated by the Governor are already yielding tangible results,” they stated. “Governor Otu has shown visionary leadership. By returning for a second term, we expect even greater milestones that will uplift the entire state and ensure sustainable growth for the common good.”
“His administration has focused on the fundamentals – infrastructure, agriculture, tourism and security. These are the engines of any economy.”
They concluded by noting that the Governor’s “People First” mandate has earned him prestigious national accolades. They pointed to the recent Honorary Doctorate Degree (Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa) conferred on him by Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola, in recognition of his humanitarian services and governance excellence.
Furthermore, they celebrated his emergence as The Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year 2025, describing it as a definitive validation of his performance.
“The conferment of an honorary doctorate and the Sun Newspaper award on the same weekend is a powerful testament to Governor Otu’s governance excellence,” the duo remarked.
“These honours are not just personal trophies for the Governor, but a collective pride for all Cross Riverians. They prove that the ‘Sweet Prince’ is delivering tangible results that are being noticed across Nigeria. We urge all residents to join the movement to ensure this Season of Sweetness continues into a second term.”
