By Anietie Akpan
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has unveiled a new unifying mantra for the state: “One Cross River, One Love”.
The announcement which was made during an Endorsement Dinner hosted in his honour by the Northern Cross River Coalition (NORTHCCO), a prominent socio-political group from the Northern Senatorial District of the state, is seen as building on his administration’s established “People First” philosophy.
This was contained in a press release dated April 25 by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nsa Gill.
Held at Hogis Royale Hotels in Calabar, the event featured the presentation of a communique from NORTHCCO’s General Assembly in Ogoja, where the group unanimously endorsed Governor Otu for a second term in the 2027 governorship race.
They also passed a vote of confidence on both Governor Otu and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, praising their “exemplary performance” less than two years into their administration.
Declaring Otu as their sole candidate for 2027, the group stated that no aspirant from the Northern Senatorial District would contest against him. They further pledged to fund the purchase of the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination form on his behalf, and also threw their support behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
In his remarks, Governor Otu expressed deep appreciation to the political stakeholders and traditional rulers of the North for their unwavering support.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to equitable development across all senatorial districts and emphasized ongoing efforts to recover looted state assets, citing the recent reclamation of a major Oil Palm Estate.
Referencing NORTHCCO’s slogan, “One North, One Love”, Governor Otu extended its sentiment to the entire state, declaring “One Cross River, One Love” as a new rallying call for unity and inclusivity.
Several key political and traditional leaders endorsed the Governor’s re-election bid, including NORTHCCO Chairman, High Chief Peter Higgins; the Board of Trustee Chairman, D.C. Chief Fidelis Ugbo, Director-General of the group’s Central Working Committee, Rt. Hon. Legor Idabo; Director of Mobilization, Hon. Martins Orim, Chairman of the Communique Drafting Committee, Professor Zana and Chief Peter Ojie.
They also advocated for more developmental projects and increased political appointments for the Northern District.
The Paramount Ruler of Obudu Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty Utsu Ukandi Felix Ukudare, voiced concerns about growing insecurity in the neighborhing states to the district. In response, Governor Otu assured that security remained a top priority, stating that the state’s security architecture is well-prepared to counter external threats.
Dignitaries at the event included Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Chief of Staff Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, and several elder statesmen from the Southern Senatorial District and the host northern Senatorial district.
