Follow Us on Google
Stakeholders from the five Local Government Areas of Cross River North have sealed a deal to deliver bloc votes for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu in the 2027 general elections.
The deal was struck over the weekend at the Ogoja Local Government Council Headquarters, after a massive sensitisation walk from Ajengnle Junction to the council secretariat where traditional rulers, elders, youths, women leaders and party faithful from Ogoja, Obanliku, Obudu, Yala and Bekwarra trooped out in their numbers.
The meeting was convened by the Cross River State Consultative Forum in collaboration with the Elders Advisory Council.
Chairman of the Elders Advisory Council and former Governor of the state, Chief Clement Ebri, said the tour was a fact-finding mission to get first-hand assessment of the Otu administration from the people.
“We are more like a fact-finding team,” Ebri said. He disclosed that Governor Otu had mandated the council to tell him the truth and was ready to make amends where there were genuine lapses.
Ebri commended the Governor for his efforts to restore Cross River’s oil-producing status and urged the people to remain patient as the administration fixes infrastructure deficits accumulated over the years.
“The state needs to give the President a strong bloc vote to strengthen the Governor’s recognition and bargaining power at the national level,” he declared.
Other News
Chairman of the Consultative Forum, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, said the Ogoja engagement was the Forum’s first outing in the Northern Senatorial District. He clarified that the gathering was not a campaign rally but a strategic dialogue on the future of the state.
Ekpo said the large turnout and resounding endorsement was proof that the North is standing with Otu and Tinubu, urging sustained grassroots mobilisation and fact-based assessment of government.
State Chairman of the APC, Rt. Hon. Chris Etta, who was represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Ugana Lukpata, said the party must mobilise both members and non-members to ensure total victory.
Etta revealed that Cross River now has 46 oil wells back in its coffers, with exploration and exploitation already commenced, linking the feat to the improved relationship between the state and the Federal Government.
The highpoint of the engagement was the adoption of a communiqué jointly signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, Secretary Dr Julius Okputu, Chairman of the Drafting Committee, Ntufam Barr. Fidelis Ugbo, and Secretary, Prof. Michael Okom.
Stakeholders among other resolutions passed a vote of confidence on Governor Otu, President Tinubu and validated their second term bid.
They also demanded the completion of ongoing projects, sought more attention to development needs in the district and affirmed that continued support for Tinubu and Otu will sustain the gains, including the recovery of 46 oil wells.
