Senator Florence Ita-Giwa
By Anietie Akpan
Former Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Sen. Princess Florence Ita-Giwa has warned against any distraction against Governor Bassey Otu,
She said there is no vacancy come 2027 as the “Back to South” agenda with Governor Otu on the saddle is an eight year mission.
This warning Pillar Today gathered is coming amid allegations of some persons beating the drums of 2027 elections pitching the Governor, Senator Bassey Otu and the Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial district, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jnr against each other.
It is even alleged that the Senator is doing things without consulting the governor and he may be nursing a governorship ambition come 2027.
On the other hand it has been argued that the Senator is vibrant and energetic with ideas and he does not need to consult the governor before attracting any project to the state and he has the right to aspire to any political office he wishes even though he has not indicated so.
However, Senator Ita-Giwa in a letter to Cross Riverians made available to newsmen on Thursday in Calabar, is viewing all these as political distractions not allowing the Governor to concentrate and deliver on his people’s first agenda.
She said, “I write to you as a mother and as one of the senior political stakeholders—if not the most senior alive in terms of ranking—having served as the first Deputy Minority Leader in the Senate in my time and having contested and won four elections. I speak from experience.
“The Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu must be allowed to govern and fulfill the “people’s first” promise he made to his people. Already, just one and half year in office, the difference is very visible”.
She stated, “many seem to have forgotten the fierce battle we fought to ensure the return of power to the South in 2023. It was never handed to us on a platter of gold…it was a hard-fought victory that tested our resilience. Some doubted it could happen, but with God on our side and the total commitment of our brothers and sisters from the North and Central, we prevailed. Now, we must protect what we struggled to achieve and continue to enjoy this season of sweetness.
“Governor Otu is the political leader of this state—the father of all political officeholders. Regardless of where we serve, whether in Abuja, Lagos, Calabar or anywhere else, we owe him our respect and support”.
The former presidential aide said “the cordiality and mutual respect that have existed between lawmakers and the state’s Chief Executive—the Governor—since my time must continue.
“Collaboration is key and crucial; whatever anyone achieves in Abuja or elsewhere rnust be implemented in partnership with the Governor to ensure its success in the overall interestInterest of Cross River State”.
Citing her experience as a Senator, “I maintained a close relationship of mutual respect and understanding with the then-Governor Donald Duke. Despite belonging to different political parties, I sought his guidance on critical decisions affecting our people.
“We both made good use of each other’s connections and goodwill. Leadership demands humility and cooperation—we must give honour to whom honour is due”, she added.
The ‘Back to South’ agenda, she said, “is not a four-year project —it is an eight-year mission for Prince Bassey Otu that is already delivering visible results, unprecedented growth and prosperity to Cross River State. Let us stay focused and committed to this cause. We must all remain united and dedicated to seeing it through”.
