From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Cross River Southern Consultative Forum has endorsed Governor Bassey Otu and President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing a rally dubbed: “Mother of all endorsements” at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, which drew thousands from across the state, Governor Otu thanked the people of the southern senatorial district for their unwavering support and trust.
“I am humbled by this overwhelming show of love,” he said. “This endorsement is not just about politics — it is a validation of the economic renewal we are championing. We are laying a solid foundation through agricultural reforms, enterprise growth, and infrastructure that will position Cross River as a leading investment hub in Nigeria.”
Expanding on his administration’s economic blueprint, Otu noted that the state’s focus on job creation, youth empowerment, and fiscal discipline was already bearing fruit.
“Today, our productivity index is rising. Investors are knocking. Our tourism is awakening. And with the Bakassi Deep Seaport and the smart city projects underway, we are charting a course to sustainable prosperity,” the governor declared to thunderous applause.
He also highlighted recent gains in security and public service delivery, noting that over 16 miscreant camps had been dismantled, with a final operation planned for July.
“Peace is returning, and we are giving former miscreants a second chance through our amnesty and reintegration programme,” he added, reaffirming his government’s human-centred development philosophy.
Otu conveyed the president’s appreciation and reaffirmed their shared commitment to national progress. He also promised a renewed focus on tourism, beginning with a revitalised Calabar Carnival this December, to mark its 20th anniversary — a symbolic return to global tourism prominence.
Speaker after speaker applauded Governor Otu’s leadership. Bishop Alex Ukam, representing Biase, said, “The governor has neither disappointed God nor man.” From Akpabuyo, Architect Eyo Ndem praised Otu’s focused approach, saying, “Your works are louder than any endorsement.”
Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo, representing the northern senatorial district, emphasised the governor’s inclusive governance. “This is not just a southern gathering — it’s a Cross River consensus,” he declared. “Governor Otu’s leadership has united the state. We in the north stand solidly with him and President Tinubu.”
In Odukpani, Ambassador Nya Asuquo called Otu the best governor the state has ever had, citing improved infrastructure and the ongoing development of Nigeria’s largest gas field. Akamkpa leader, Ntufam John Achort Okon, hailed the appointment of locals into key positions and thanked the First Lady for her robust health initiatives.
The endorsement motions were formally moved and unanimously passed. Senator Florence Ita-Giwa and Prof. Ivara Esu led the calls for Tinubu and Out, respectively. “We judged him by his past,” said Ntufam Edim Inok Edim, declaring Calabar Municipality a one-party APC zone.
With voices from across senatorial districts, women, youth, traditional and religious leaders speaking in unison, the rally became more than an endorsement — it was a clear vote of confidence. “2027 is not just a date,” said Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong. “It is a destination, and we are moving forward with Otu and Tinubu.”