Gov. Bassey Otu (l3rd from L) in a handshake with Gov. Umo Eno during the ceremony in Uyo on Friday.
By Anietie Akpan
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has described the defection of his Akwa Ibom counterpart, Pastor Umo Eno, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a historic and unifying moment for the South-South geopolitical zone and a major boost for the ruling party.
Speaking with journalists upon his return from the historic event held at the Government House Banquet Hall in Uyo on Friday, Governor Otu expressed joy over the development, calling it a “great day” for both Cross River and the entire South-South. Governor Otu, who is currently the Vice Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, recalled an APC South-South meeting hosted in Calabar last year, where he had advocated for a shift in the region’s political landscape.
In a press release by his Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill, the Governor said, “at the time, I was the only APC governor in the zone, and I felt like an orphan”.
Obviously referencing the absence of other APC governors in the South-South, Governor Out said, “We had not yet won Edo or Delta State, and Akwa Ibom was not on board. But like I prophesied that day, something was going to happen and it has.”
He described Governor Eno’s move to the APC as “a welcome development” for the progressive political family, noting that Cross River and Akwa Ibom, once a single state, should naturally move in the same direction for regional development and harmony.
“With both of us now in alignment, alongside our APC sister states in the South-South, the region is better positioned to support the bold reforms and strategic direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Otu said.
Governor Otu praised President Tinubu’s leadership, citing strides in fiscal responsibility, infrastructure development, and economic reform. “Gone are the years of freeloading,” he declared. “The indices show we are experiencing real growth, even amid global economic challenges.”
When asked about the remaining PDP governor in the region, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Otu responded with optimism and camaraderie. “Governor Diri is my chairman in the South-South Governors’ Forum. I don’t think he would want to stand alone,” he said. “Like I always say, ‘follow who know road.’ He is a fine gentleman, and I believe he will make the right choice.”
On integrating new members into the APC, Governor Otu emphasized the party’s inclusive culture. “In APC, once you receive your membership card and broom, you have full rights. There will be no rancor, just like it happened in Delta,” he assured. “This will bring unity, not just in Akwa Ibom APC, but across the region.”
Governor Otu concluded by reaffirming his belief that the South-South is now more united than ever under the APC banner. “We are all in the same boat now. We are no longer speaking different political languages. APC is the way forward.”
