By Ini Imah
As the local government elections approach in Cross River State, the air is thick with anticipation and hope. The people, particularly in the Calabar Metropolis, are eager to see their voices reflected in leadership at the grassroots level. Governor Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, affectionately called the “People’s Governor,” has earned the love and trust of many across party lines. His leadership is admired not solely for his affiliation with the All Progressives Congress (APC) but because of his early antecedents, his ability to transcend political boundaries, and his genuine concern for the welfare of the people. As we stand on the threshold of these elections, a plea emerges from the hearts of the people, let the process be free and fair, and let their votes truly count.
The significance of these local government elections goes beyond party politics. In the last state elections, Governor Otu was not merely supported by the APC faithful but was embraced by voters from the Labour Party (LP), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and other political affiliations. This outpouring of love was a sign of his capacity to unite diverse groups around a common cause, progress for Cross River State. The people placed their trust in him not because of party loyalties but because they believed in his vision for equity, fairness, and inclusive development.
Local governments are the closest level of governance to the people, where decisions directly impact their daily lives. The chairmen who emerge from this election will wield significant influence over the socio-economic affairs of their communities. For this reason, the integrity of this process cannot be overstated. The people, particularly in Calabar Municipality and Calabar South, deserve leaders who are chosen by them, not imposed upon them. The essence of democracy lies in the power of the people to choose, and the Governor, in his wisdom, should allow that choice to prevail.
Governor Otu has, time and again, shown that he is a man of the people. He has listened to their needs, supported them through difficult times, and governed with a sense of justice. Now, he faces a defining moment one that will either reinforce the people’s love for him or begin to sow seeds of doubt. If these local government elections are thwarted by manipulation or interference, the trust that the people have placed in him could be shaken. Fairness, equity, and justice must be the pillars of this electoral process if the Governor’s legacy is to remain untarnished.
The truth is that no local government chairman, no matter how powerful, can overshadow the Governor. The chairmen are, after all, still accountable to the people and, by extension, to the Governor who can exercise the authority of oversight, including impeachment if necessary. But even with that power, Governor Otu must resist the temptation to manipulate the process in favour of any party. The best chairman, whether APC, PDP, LP or any other, will still serve under his administration and contribute to the state’s development. What matters most is that the right candidate, the one chosen by the people emerges victorious.
Governor Otu has a unique opportunity to prove once again that his “People First” agenda is not just rhetoric but a guiding principle in every aspect of governance. If he allows a free and fair election to take place, he will solidify his position as a leader who listens and acts with integrity. He will not only win the hearts of those who voted for him in 2023 but will also earn the respect of those who may have doubted his commitment to democratic ideals. The 2027 election is on the horizon, and the people, regardless of party affiliation, are already eager to vote him back into office. But their desire to do so will depend largely on the actions he takes now.
The people of Cross River, particularly in Calabar Metropolis, believe in love, fairness, equity, and justice. They want a system that respects their voices, where their votes carry weight, and where their leaders emerge through a transparent and legitimate process. This is not just about winning an election, it is about preserving the integrity of the democratic process. It is about showing the people that their trust in Governor Otu was not misplaced.
The risk of tampering with the local government elections, particularly in Calabar Municipality and Calabar South, is not merely political. It is moral. If the people’s yearning for fairness is ignored, if their trust is betrayed, the very fabric of the relationship between the Governor and his people will be damaged. Love and trust, once broken, are difficult to mend. The people’s faith in Governor Otu has been built on the foundation of shared values and mutual respect. It would be a tragedy to see that foundation shaken by political interference.
There is a profound wisdom in letting the people decide. When leaders emerge from a truly democratic process, they carry with them the legitimacy and support necessary to govern effectively. When elections are free and fair, the mandate they receive is unquestionable, and their loyalty to the people and, by extension, to the Governor remains strong. The Governor stands to gain far more from allowing a fair process than from manipulating the outcome. The chairmen who emerge will be indebted not just to the party but to the people and to a Governor who respects their choice.
As we approach the local government elections, let us remember that the strength of a democracy lies in its fairness. Governor Otu has always been a man of the people. Now is the time for him to reaffirm that commitment. Let the best candidates win, and let the people’s vote count. In doing so, the Governor will secure not only his legacy but the continued love, trust, and respect of the people he has worked so hard to serve.
Ini Imah writes from Calabar, and the views expressed in this article are his, not those of CONVERSEER and or its staff.
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