From Judex Okoro, Calabar
Former senator representing the southern senatorial district of Cross River, Prince Bassey Otu, has been sworn in as the 18th governor of the state.
His swearing-in was preceded by that of Deputy Governor Hon Peter Odey, the ceremony being conducted by the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Akon Ikpeme. Hon Odey is the former Leader of the House of Assembly.
In his inaugural speech, Senator Otu accepted the mandate given to him and promised to carry everyone along just as he called for support from all critical stakeholders to drive the state to the next level of governance.
Further promising to leverage on his experience to provide the best leadership for the state, Otu said: “I accept the enormous responsibility given to me and welcome you all to this moment of history as it will remain indelible.
“My administration will bear no insignia of discrimination and everyone will not just be carried along but remain equal before the law.
“I will leverage my past experiences to provide the best for the state and will hit the ground running.
“There will be no hiding place for criminals and we will have zero tolerance for criminality,” Governor Otu said.
In his sermon during the handing over ceremony, Bishop Emmah Isong, the President and founder of Christain Central Chaple International Church (CCCIC), 8 Miles Calabar, said there is a need to change our attitude and perceptions towards our leaders, adding that the idea of taking them after eight years an indication that even the present one would be also attacked at the end.
Isong, who is the chairman of Cross River State Anti Tax and a member of the Transition Committee, called on Cross Riverians to be excited that Otu, a man with the fear of God, is taking over today and prayed that God reveals to him the solutions to the state’s problem.
Thousands of people thronged the UJ Esuene stadium to witness the event. They include former Governor Clement Ebri, former Deputy Governor, Prof Ivara Esu, Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly and Senator-elect, Central senatorial district; Sen Eteng Williams, Southern senatorial district Senator-elect, Sen Asuquo Ekpenyong Jnr, Reps members elect, former Senate Leader, Sen. Victor Ndoma Egba, and state chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Bar Alphonsus Eba.
Others present include Service Chiefs in the state, party stalwarts, various groups, captains of industries and socio-cultural groups.