Month: May 2025

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has praised Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, for what he described as two years of “remarkable and impactful leadership.”

 

In a congratulatory message issued Thursday in Calabar to mark the administration’s second anniversary in office, Ayambem lauded the duo for what he called a historic record of proactive governance and people-centred reforms.

“On beehalf of the Cross River State House of Assembly, I extend heartfelt appreciation to Your Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, and your Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, on this momentous occasion of your second anniversary in office,” the statement read.

 

According to the Speaker, the Otu-led administration has “transformed Cross River State in extraordinary ways,” citing improvements in infrastructure, rural healthcare, human capital development, education, economic revitalization, and civil service reforms.

 

He also highlighted the Governor’s prompt assent to legislation passed by the House, describing it as a sign of a responsive and cooperative executive arm. “The entire Cross River State House of Assembly is proud to work alongside a truly people-focused leader,” Ayambem added.

 

The Speaker concluded his message by wishing the administration continued success, good health, and prosperity as it enters its third year in office.

The Member of Council at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi, Kano State, and Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation, Hon. Chief Dr. Martin Orm has congratulated His Excellency Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu and Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey as their administration marks its second year in office.

Dr. Orim praised the leadership team for what he described as “two years of steady development, positive change, and visionary leadership,” applauding their efforts to transform Cross River State.

“I warmly congratulate His Excellency Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu and His Excellency Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey on this significant milestone. Their tenure so far has brought renewed hope and tangible progress to the people of Cross River,” he remarked.

He went on to express confidence in the administration’s future trajectory: “I wish them continued success and look forward to even more impactful accomplishments during the remainder of their first term.”

Since assuming office in May 2023, the Otu-led administration has been credited with initiating key reforms and policies aimed at fostering inclusive growth, infrastructure development, and governance reforms across the state.

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The Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sylvester Agabi Jnr, in a statement issued on Wednesday, commended His Excellency Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu and Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey as the administration marks two years in office.

Pouring accolades, Hon Agabi commended the duo for what he described as “two years of purposeful leadership” that has inspired both governance and public service.

“It’s been inspiring to witness how your vision has translated into real, tangible progress. In just two years, you’ve not only moved the state forward, you’ve created an environment where those of us who work with and for you feel driven to do more, give more, and lead with purpose,” Agabi said.

The Deputy Speaker praised Governor Otu for setting a developmental pace and maintaining focus, while staying grounded in the needs of the people.

“Thank you for setting the pace, staying grounded, and showing what focused leadership can achieve,” he added.

The Executive Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Council, Hon. Chief (Dr.) Sunny Ebebe Ayang, JP, has extended warm congratulations to the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, on the occasion of his second anniversary in office.

In a heartfelt message released on Wednesday, Hon. Ayang praised the governor’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of Cross River State, describing his “People First” mantra as a transformative force across the state.

“With immense joy and gratitude to God, I congratulate Your Excellency on this midterm milestone. Despite numerous challenges and distractions, your strategic leadership has remained steadfast, inspiring hope among Cross Riverians,” Ayang stated.

He emphasised that Governor Otu’s performance has not only repositioned the state but also served as a personal source of inspiration.

“As Chairman of Obanliku LGA, I have personally witnessed your sincerity and tireless efforts. Your commitment to the growth of the state reflects genuine leadership and has motivated me in my own public service journey,” he added.

Aligning his local administration with the broader vision of both Governor Otu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” Hon. Ayang reaffirmed his unflinching loyalty and pledged continued collaboration to advance the well-being of the people.

The message concluded with prayers for divine guidance, wisdom, and continued success for the governor. “On behalf of myself and the good people of Obanliku, I extend our deepest appreciation and prayers for good health and greater accomplishments ahead.”

 

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has called for renewed discipline, accountability, and productivity within the state’s local government system as he commissioned the newly completed Local Government Service Commission Complex in Calabar.

 

The project, which was originally initiated over a decade ago during the administration of former Governor Liyel Imoke, resumed in 2023 and has now been completed and commissioned within two years of Governor Otu’s tenure.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Otu reiterated that no project would be abandoned under his administration. He revealed that his government has already completed about 40 percent of previously abandoned projects and continues to lay a strong foundation for economic growth across the state.

 

The Governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of workers while sanitizing the public service. He charged civil servants to reciprocate the government’s investment by promoting efficiency and eliminating systemic issues such as the proliferation of ghost workers.

“We will continue to play our part as a responsible government,” Governor Otu affirmed. “But we also expect you, the workforce, to rise to the occasion. Let our efforts motivate you to be more committed and productive. We are working toward ensuring that gratuities are paid within one week of retirement, but the persistent issue of ghost workers continues to hinder our progress.”

 

Governor Otu described the Local Government Service Commission as one of the most neglected institutions in the state and stated that its rehabilitation is part of a broader initiative to revitalize abandoned government infrastructure across the State.

Representing the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Felix Idem, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Caro Asikpo, commended the project, describing the new complex as a beacon of institutional revival and a reflection of purposeful leadership.

 

“This facility is more than just a building; it is a powerful symbol of the administration’s determination to restore excellence and integrity to the civil service,” she said. “It represents hope, aspiration, and a call to duty.”

 

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Darlington Bassey, lauded the Governor for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to institutional development.

 

“We have always known His Excellency as a man of action, right from his days in the House of Representatives,” Bassey stated. “This project is not just a legacy—it is a challenge to do more. Already, we have uncovered over 200 ghost workers in the system, and we are taking decisive steps to eliminate them. For the first time in many years, local government administration is being restored to its rightful place. We are proud landlords and ready to deliver.”

 

As a mark of deep respect, Governor Bassey Otu bestowed the honour of cutting the commissioning tape on elder statesman and former Military Administrator of Kwara State, Col. PAM Ogar (Rtd.), thereby completing the official unveiling of the complex.

 

The commissioning of the complex stands as a significant milestone in the implementation of the Governor’s ‘People First’ agenda, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to reforming governance and promoting a culture of service excellence in Cross River State.

By Nsa Gill, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

The Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation and Member of Council at the Federal College of Education (FCE) Bichi, Kano State, Chief Hon. Dr. Martin Orim, has been honoured with an Impact Award by the Cross River State Political Summit Forum. The award ceremony took place on Wednesday at the CRS Community Hall, University of Calabar (Unical).

Presenting the award, the Chairman of the occasion and Member representing the Bekwarra State Constituency, Congressman Omang Charles Omang, stated that the award was in recognition of Chief Orim’s remarkable contributions to the development of humanity.

Receiving the award on behalf of the honouree, Denis Inakefe, ANIPR, expressed gratitude to the organisers for the recognition. He described the award as a powerful motivation for Chief Orim to continue his efforts in human capacity building and infrastructural development.

Inakefe also highlighted the impact of the GFO Orim Foundation, particularly in the areas of vocational skills training and empowerment through food-on-the-table initiatives. He noted that the foundation has trained and empowered over 200 youths across Cross River State, reaffirming Chief Orim’s commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment.

Other distinguished awardees at the event included the Acting Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey, Former Nigerian Port Authority Chairman Obol Akin Ricketts, and the Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Ukama Ijom, among others.

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