Gov. Bassey Otu.
By Itam Offor
Cross River Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has communicated to the State Legislative Assembly that he will commence an annual leave from March 11 to April 8.
Accordingly, the State House of Assembly on March 11, accepted the communication from the governor for the three weeks annual leave.
In a press release dated March 11, by his Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill, the Governor in a letter dated March 10, 2025, personally signed by him and communicated to the legislature, addressed to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, reads in part as follows:
“I wish to inform you of my intention to proceed on a three-week annual leave, commencing from Tuesday, March 11, to Tuesday, April 8, 2025. During this period, I will be unavailable to attend to my official duties.
In accordance with constitutional requirements, I am required to notify the House of Assembly of my intention to proceed on annual leave.
I have made the necessary arrangements to ensure the smooth operation of government business during my absence. The Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, will act on my behalf and make decisions as necessary.
Thank you for your usual cooperation and understanding. Please accept the assurances of my highest esteem.”
Meanwhile, State House of Assembly has received and accepted the communication of a three weeks annual leave to be embarked upon by the State Governor.
The communication dated March 10, 2025, signed by the Governor and addressed to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem was read on the plenary, deliberated upon and accepted by the legislature.
The letter which was in line with constitutional requirements also indicates that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure that the operations of government business continue unabated adding that the Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Peter Odey will act till the Governor resumes.
In his remarks, the Speaker noted that the Governor has not taken any leave since the inception of his administration adding that he should take some time off to rest.
“The Governor is here by granted three weeks leave effective from Tuesday 11th March to 8th April 2025. If need be the leave will be extended to enable the Governor rest so that he can continue the good work that he is doing in the State.” Ayambem noted.
