Calabar, Nigeria – Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has officially inaugurated 18 local government chairmen and vice chairmen, all of whom were elected during the November 2 local government elections in the state.
The inauguration ceremony took place on Monday at the Governor’s temporary office at Dan Archibong Lodge in Calabar, marking a significant moment in grassroots governance in Cross River.
The newly elected officials representing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), according to the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC), claimed a decisive victory in the local elections, securing all 18 chairmanship seats and 196 councillorship positions across the state.
According to Otu, this sweeping win consolidates APC’s strong influence in Cross River’s local governance and sets the stage for the new leaders to initiate reforms aimed at community development.
During the event, Governor Otu outlined a clear mandate for the officials, underscoring the values of transparency, accountability, and the administration’s ‘People First’ approach.
He urged the leaders to prioritise grassroots development and public service improvements, emphasising the need to address infrastructure challenges and enhance the quality of life for citizens at the local level.
“Your victory is a call to action to serve the people of Cross River and deliver on your promises with integrity,” Governor Otu stated. “We have a goal as a state, and it is important to align with this goal. We want to build our Gross Domestic Product (GDP), attract investment, and improve the standard of living. This role is not ceremonial; it is serious business.”
Governor Otu further highlighted the constitutional responsibilities of local government councils, reminding the new leaders of their pivotal role as the tier of government closest to the people.
He stressed that the provision of essential amenities would serve as a “litmus test” for the confidence placed in them by voters and urged the officials to be accountable stewards of public trust.
“As the closest tier of government to the people, the core mandate of every local government council is the provision of basic amenities,” he noted. “The accomplishment of this task shall be a referendum on your capacity to deliver on your campaign promises.”
Hon. Udiandeye Peter, the Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, responded on behalf of the newly inaugurated officials, pledging that they would work tirelessly to fulfil their promises and uplift their communities.
He thanked Governor Otu, the APC, and the people of Cross River for entrusting them with the responsibility to lead, affirming that the new leadership is committed to bringing democratic dividends to the grassroots.
Peter concluded with a call for divine guidance, expressing hope for a productive tenure that would reflect the vision of the Otu-led administration in fostering growth and development across Cross River’s local governments.
See The Full List of Newly Elected Local Government Chairmen in Cross River State Below:
1. Hon. Egbala Bassey Egbala – Abi LGA (APC)
2. Hon. Felix Akposi – Akamkpa LGA (APC)
3. Hon. Effiom Bassey Effiong – Akpabuyo LGA (APC)
4. Hon. Effiong Bassey Okon – Bakassi LGA (APC)
5. Hon. (Mrs) Theresa Ushie – Bekwarra LGA (APC)
6. Hon. Edodi Eyong Edodi (Edison) – Biase LGA (APC)
7. Hon. Beatrice Etta Nyiam – Boki LGA (APC)
8. Hon. James Koko Anam – Calabar Municipality LGA (APC)
9. Hon. Patrick Okon Archibong – Calabar South LGA (APC)
10. Hon. Henry Njar Anom – Etung LGA (APC)
11. Hon. (Mrs) Mercy Nsor – Ikom LGA (APC)
12. Hon. Sunny Ayang – Obanliku LGA (APC)
13. Hon. Kingsley Arikpo – Obubra LGA (APC)
14. Hon. Peter Undiandeye Akonfe – Obudu LGA (APC)
15. Rt. Hon. Etim Asido Ukpong – Odukpani LGA (APC)
16. Hon. Christopher Agbeh – Ogoja (APC)
17. Hon. Yibala Inyang – Yakurr LGA (APC)
18. Hon. (Dr) Fred Okem – Yala LGA (APC)
