By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSCF) will on Thursday, 11 December 2025, inaugurate its Elders Advisory Council and Local Government Area (LGA) Coordinating Committees.
This was disclosed by Barr. Eyo-Nsa Ekpo, Chairman of the Forum on Tuesday in Calabar.
According to Ekpo, the Council and Committees are responsible for ensuring that political leaders are on the right track with the people’s mandate, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
He noted that, “After a series of consultations, it was concluded that former Governor Clement Ebri should be inaugurated as the Chairman of the Elders Advisory Council. Other members of the council will also be inaugurated. We will be inaugurating the LGA Coordinating Committees too, bringing on board grassroots politicians – six per local government.”
He stated that the CRSFC originated as the Southern Senatorial District Consultative Forum, which was established following the endorsement rally in July for the reelection of Governor Bassey Otu and President Bola Tinubu.
“The Cross River State Consultative Forum brings together the whole state, especially the elites, not only for endorsement but to chart a way for the future of Cross River State,” Ekpo stated.
Ekpo said the forum has been watchful of Governor Otu’s mandate in the last two years, noting that all they see is passion for the people.
He listed key achievements of the Governor in the aspect of payment of gratuities, pensions, salaries, unveiling of special investment programme, youth empowerment scheme, regaining of Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, among others.
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“We believe the Governor should have a seamless transition in 2027. If you look at what the Governor is doing, you’ll find out that he’s building on the already existing projects,” the Chairman stated.
On his part, Chief (Dr) Julius Okputu, Secretary of the Forum, noted that the need to support Governor Otu is growing, as “he has turned the state into a construction site. Everything he is building is in the fear of God.”
The Treasurer of the Forum, Sir Maurice Effiwatt, said the forum is very intentional about supporting good governance, stressing that, “In 2027, we want to be seen as the strong APC state, so that we can be at the table.”
He reiterated that everyone needs to work together in supporting the Governor. According to him, the Civil Service Commission has promoted over 2,000 staff, some of whom had double promotions.
Effiwatt noted that not less than 5,000 people have been recruited under Governor Otu, adding, “The number may climb up to 8,000 when the local government issue is resolved.”
“About 800 recruited forest guards have been payrolled, recruitments have been made to fill the gaps in the health sector, and posthumous benefits are currently being handled.
“Your Excellency, Cross Riverians want you to run, even if you don’t want to,” Effiwatt stated.
The Forum said after a series of consultations with citizens and relevant stakeholders, it has no other reason than to endorse President Tinubu and Governor Otu for 2027.
