Gov. Bassey Otu
By Ita Williams, Calabar
The Forum of Special Advisers to Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has endorsed his re-election bid in 2027, saying “there is no vacancy “.
The Forum cited significant achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and economic empowerment as the basis for the endorsement, noting Governor Otu’s obligation to deliver on his campaign promises.
The endorsement came during a media briefing on Friday, March 7 at the Ernest Etim Bassey Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Calabar, where the Forum presented a 21-month scorecard of the administration’s accomplishments.
The Forum averred that the administration’s giant strides in urban and rural development, particularly in road construction, healthcare improvement, and agricultural revitalisation, are enough to call for his re-election in 2027.
Speaking on the administration’s impact in the Central Senatorial District, Gilbert Agbor, Special Adviser on Asset Recovery, enumerated the government’s ongoing infrastructural transformation.
“The governor is not just constructing roads; he is building pathways to economic prosperity,” Agbor stated.
He pointed to the reconstruction of key roads, including the Border Road to Mankono, the Calabar Road-Ikom Market-Mile 2 Road, and the Ugep urban road network.
“These roads are reducing travel time, enhancing commerce, and improving residents’ daily lives,” he added.
Agbor further highlighted the administration’s investment in healthcare, particularly the construction of a ₦470 million General Hospital in Ikom and the revitalisation of 82 primary healthcare facilities in collaboration with the World Bank.
“With these investments, healthcare is becoming more accessible, especially in rural areas,” he said adding that Governor Otu’s administration has also performed creditably well in agricultural development.
Agbor cited projects such as the resuscitation of Songhai Farms in Etigidi and the starch processing factory in Ochon as critical to job creation and food security.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy, and these projects are creating jobs while ensuring food security,” he remarked.
Special Adviser on Events Management, Effiong Ekpenyong, detailed the humanitarian projects championed by the First Lady under the Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiative (HWB-EI).
These initiatives include free medical outreaches benefiting over 7,000 residents, scholarships for indigent students, and economic empowerment programs for women and youth.
“Through various interventions, we are changing lives and fostering self-reliance,” Ekpenyong noted.
The Special Adviser on Projects Monitoring and Evaluation, Raphael Adoga, outlined the government’s efforts in the Northern Senatorial District, particularly in road rehabilitation and infrastructure expansion.
He said, “every major road leading to Ogoja is currently under rehabilitation, ensuring better connectivity and economic opportunities for our people”.
The Chairman of the Governor’s Special Advisers Forum, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, praised the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and economic progress.
“His Excellency has set Cross River on a progressive path, and the results are evident in every sector,” Akiba concluded.