Gov Otu’s Performance Cannot Be Drowned by Sandy Onor’s Political Noise [Opinion By Hon. Fidelis Okang]

By Hon. Fidelis Okang

Ordinarily, the recent media attacks by Senator Sandy Onor do not deserve a response.

It is difficult to attach political significance to the comments of a man who, as the sitting Senator representing Cross River Central and the PDP governorship candidate in the 2023 governorship election, suffered a comprehensive rejection at the polls by losing his polling unit, ward, local government, senatorial district and, ultimately, the governorship election.

That emphatic verdict remains the clearest reflection of the people’s confidence, or lack thereof, in his leadership.

Rather than engaging in relentless criticism, Senator Onor should reflect on the reasons Cross Riverians overwhelmingly entrusted the leadership of the state to Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu. No amount of media rhetoric can alter the democratic verdict freely delivered by the people.

It is equally ironic that Senator Onor now seeks to position himself as an authority on governance.

From his tenure as Chairman of Etung Local Government, to his appointments as Commissioner for Environment, Commissioner for Agriculture, his service in the Cross River State Civil Service Commission and later as Senator representing Cross River Central, Cross Riverians continue to ask what enduring legacy those years of public service produced.

Governor Bassey Edet Otu, on the other hand, has consistently allowed performance to define his public life. From the House of Representatives to the Senate and now as Governor, his leadership has been anchored on service, inclusiveness and development.

He inherited a state weighed down by enormous debts, abandoned infrastructure, neglected public assets, declining economic activities and dwindling investor confidence. Rather than trading blame, he immediately set about rebuilding the state under his People First agenda.

Today, Cross River State is witnessing renewed investment in security, creating a more peaceful environment for businesses, investors and residents. This renewed stability has become the foundation upon which economic growth, tourism and social development are being rebuilt.

Recognising that tourism remains one of the state’s greatest comparative advantages, Governor Otu has embarked on an ambitious programme to restore Cross River’s position as Nigeria’s premier tourism destination.

His administration has recovered and is revitalising Tinapa as a strategic economic hub, accelerated the rehabilitation of the iconic Obudu Mountain Resort, driven the ongoing completion of the Obudu International Cargo Airport, brought life back to the Marina Resort and successfully restored Carnival Calabar to its celebrated 32 Days of Christmas Festival, extending the festivities beyond Calabar to all three senatorial districts and once again attracting national and international attention.

As part of his long-term tourism and investment strategy, Governor Otu has also initiated efforts to expand the state’s aviation capacity through the acquisition of three additional aircraft, with more expected as the programme expands, to fully realise the vision of Cally Air as a viable regional airline supporting tourism, commerce and connectivity.

The administration has equally intensified efforts towards the actualisation of the Bakassi Deep Seaport, a transformational project expected to reposition Cross River as a major maritime and logistics hub in the Gulf of Guinea, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs while stimulating industrial growth.

In education, Governor Otu has reconstructed the Cross River State Library into a modern twenty-first century knowledge and learning centre befitting the aspirations of today’s generation.

His administration has also established the University of Education and Entrepreneurship Development, reflecting his commitment to producing graduates equipped with practical skills, innovation and entrepreneurial capacity.

Infrastructure development has remained a major priority. Across the three senatorial districts, numerous road projects are being executed and completed, while massive rural electrification programmes are extending electricity to previously underserved communities, improving livelihoods and stimulating rural economies.

Governor Otu’s economic empowerment programmes have placed financial resources directly into the hands of thousands of small and medium-scale entrepreneurs across the state, enabling businesses to grow, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to economic development.

In healthcare, his administration continues to demonstrate compassion through free medical services for children under the age of five and pregnant women, regardless of their state of origin or indigene status, ensuring that access to quality healthcare is driven by humanity rather than ethnicity.

His commitment to education is equally evident in the annual payment of WAEC and NECO examination fees for eligible students, reducing the financial burden on parents and encouraging educational advancement across the state.

To cushion the effects of prevailing economic realities, Governor Otu has also introduced periodic transportation subsidies and, at times, free transport services for civil servants and residents, easing commuting costs and reinforcing his administration’s commitment to people-centred governance.

Furthermore, Governor Otu remains resolute in pursuing every constitutional, legal and administrative process necessary to restore Cross River State’s status as an oil-producing state.

The successful realisation of this objective would return the state to the league of beneficiaries of the 13 per cent derivation fund, significantly boosting resources for infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic development.

These are not empty slogans. They are measurable policies, ongoing projects and visible achievements that explain why Governor Bassey Edet Otu continues to enjoy broad public support across the state.

Indeed, Cross Riverians have humorously declared Governor Otu “Wanted”. Wanted for restoring peace and security. Wanted for rebuilding roads and public infrastructure. Wanted for reviving tourism. Wanted for repositioning Tinapa, Marina Resort and Obudu Mountain Resort. Wanted for restoring the global prestige of Carnival Calabar. Wanted for expanding Cally Air. Wanted for pursuing the Bakassi Deep Seaport. Wanted for reconstructing the State Library. Wanted for establishing a new university. Wanted for empowering businesses. Wanted for supporting education. Wanted for protecting mothers and children through free healthcare. Wanted for pursuing the restoration of Cross River’s oil-producing status.

Above all, he is wanted to continue delivering purposeful leadership until 2031 because the people can see and feel the dividends of good governance.

Governor Bassey Edet Otu remains focused on building a stronger, more prosperous and united Cross River State.

Political distractions will come and go, but enduring legacies are built through vision, discipline and an unwavering commitment to the people.

Signed:

Hon. Fidelis Okang

Convener, Coalition of Etung Youth for Good Governance