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…presents People First Award
By Faheem Lawal
The political mobilisation group says Otu’s people-centred leadership, development strides and inclusive governance have strengthened its resolve to mobilise support for his re-election.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a political mobilisation and support group, House to House, led by Dr. Glory Effiong, Wednesday, inducted Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, as its Patron and presented him with the People First Award in recognition of his people-centred leadership philosophy and commitment to the development of the state.
The group, which visited the Governor at his office in Calabar, described the honour as an expression of confidence in his administration’s People First Agenda, declaring its readiness to intensify grassroots mobilisation in support of his re-election ahead in 2027.
Speaking during the presentation, Dr. Effiong described Governor Otu as a leader whose approach to governance has reinforced the importance of compassion, accessibility and inclusive development in public service.
“We have come here not merely to present an award or confer a title, but to identify with a philosophy of leadership that places the people at the heart of government. For us, the People First Award is a statement of conviction that governance must be measured not only by policies announced, but by lives touched, communities reached and opportunities created for ordinary citizens,” she said.
Effiong further emphasised that House to House was committed to taking the message of the administration’s achievements to the grassroots, particularly communities whose expectations of government centred on infrastructure, economic opportunity, social welfare and improved living conditions.
“Our name captures our mission. We intend to go from house to house, street to street and community to community, engaging our people, listening to their concerns and encouraging them to participate meaningfully in the democratic process. As 2027 approaches, we believe that political support must be earned through trust, sustained engagement and a clear understanding of what leadership represents,” she added.
The group also assured the Governor that its mobilisation efforts would be peaceful, inclusive and anchored in democratic participation.
The group’s leader further urged the Governor to remain steadfast in his development agenda, noting that the administration’s emphasis on infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, enterprise development and youth empowerment provided a basis for continued public engagement.
“Your Excellency, our decision to identify with your administration is rooted in our belief that Cross River State deserves continuity in policies and programmes that can deliver lasting benefits. We recognise that development is a journey, not a single event, and that the gains already recorded must be consolidated while new opportunities are created for our people,” Effiong said.
She added that the group would encourage citizens to assess leadership on the strength of its record, vision and responsiveness to public needs.
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Responding to the delegation, Governor Otu expressed appreciation for the recognition and the confidence reposed in his administration, describing the award as a reminder of the responsibility leaders owe the people they serve.
“I receive this award with gratitude and humility. For me, the greatest honour any government can receive is the confidence of the people. Awards are encouraging, but they also remind us that the work is not finished. Our obligation is to continue to improve lives, open up opportunities and ensure that the benefits of governance reach communities across Cross River State,” the Governor said.
Otu reiterated that his administration’s People First philosophy was not a political slogan but a governing principle intended to guide public policy, resource allocation and engagement with citizens.
“Our purpose in government is to serve humanity. We must never lose sight of the ordinary man and woman whose hopes are invested in the promises of democracy. Whether we are building roads, strengthening healthcare, supporting agriculture, encouraging enterprise or investing in tourism, the ultimate question must always be: what difference does this make to the lives of our people? That is the standard by which we must measure ourselves,” he said.
He urged political support groups to complement government efforts by promoting responsible citizenship, constructive engagement and peaceful participation in the democratic process.
On the group’s pledge of support ahead of 2027, the Governor said political mobilisation should be guided by respect for the electorate and a commitment to issue-based engagement.
“Democracy belongs to the people, and the people must remain at the centre of every political conversation. I appreciate those who believe in our vision, but I also encourage everyone to continue engaging our citizens with respect, sincerity and a clear understanding of our collective aspirations. Our politics must unite rather than divide us, and our ultimate objective must be the progress, peace and prosperity of Cross River State,” he said.
He also urged supporters to maintain decorum and recognise that public confidence is strengthened by service, integrity and accountability.
The visit concluded with the formal induction of Governor Otu as Patron of House to House and the presentation of the People First Award. The gesture marked the beginning of a more intensive phase of grassroots engagement aimed at strengthening public awareness of the administration’s policies and development priorities. With its pledge to mobilise support ahead of the 2027 elections, House to House reaffirmed its commitment to political participation anchored in community engagement, peaceful advocacy and democratic choice.
