The Cross River State Elders’ Forum has overwhelmingly endorsed Governor Bassey Edet Otu for a second term, declaring that his administration’s strides in governance, security, healthcare, infrastructure and economic development have earned him the confidence of the state’s elder statesmen.
The endorsement was contained in an address presented by the Chairman of the Forum, retired Colonel Pam Ogar, former Military Administrator of Kwara State, during a courtesy visit to Governor Otu at the State Executive Council Chamber, Calabar, on Thursday.
Colonel Ogar said the Forum had carefully assessed the administration’s performance and was convinced that Otu deserved another term to consolidate gains and complete ongoing programmes.
“The Forum hereby expresses its confidence in your administration and accordingly, wholeheartedly encourages you to present yourself for a second term in office,” he declared. “This will enable you to consolidate the gains already recorded, complete the numerous developmental programmes initiated under your administration, and complete uncompleted programmes initiated by your predecessor in office.”
The elders said their endorsement was anchored on the Governor’s commitment to building “a prosperous, inclusive and united Cross River State” through collective responsibility, mutual trust and sustained citizens’ participation.
They particularly commended his _People First_ philosophy, noting the administration’s willingness to listen to citizens and respond to their concerns. According to Ogar, the establishment of the Cross River State Public Complaints Office, the Cross River State LIVE platform, and the Governor’s consistent engagements with the Elders’ Forum were “eloquent testaments” to the administration’s readiness to listen to the people.
The Forum also applauded interventions in the health sector, particularly the upgrade of Schools of Nursing to Colleges of Nursing in Obudu, Ogoja, Itigidi and Calabar. The development, the elders noted, has expanded access to professional nursing education, including National Diploma and Higher National Diploma qualifications, while enabling graduates to participate in the National Youth Service Corps scheme.
On security, they commended Governor Otu’s efforts in curbing robbery and kidnapping, but urged a more proactive security architecture to address the activities of cattle grazers, alleged illegal settlements and iron scavengers in parts of the state. They specifically expressed concern over reported activities in Obanliku, Obudu, Ogoja, Ikom and Obubra.
In agriculture, the elders commended the administration’s increased budgetary allocation and efforts to raise improved oil-palm seedlings for distribution to farmers. They argued that sustained investment in the sector would boost production, create jobs and expand the state’s economic base.
However, the Forum appealed to the Governor to intensify efforts toward the payment of outstanding gratuities and harmonised pensions owed to retired civil and public servants, stressing that many retirees continue to endure severe economic hardship.
“It is our passionate appeal that government take a serious look into this problem to ameliorate the sufferings of retirees,” Ogar said.
The elders also congratulated Governor Otu on his emergence as Vice Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, and commended him for hosting the Forum’s meeting in Cross River State alongside the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, and the BRACED Commission. Ogar described the gathering as one of the region’s most successful meetings, citing the conviviality among governors, concrete decisions reached, and renewed commitment to regional development.
He urged the Governor, if given a second term, to place industrialisation and the development of a productive economy at the centre of his agenda. “Cross River must move beyond consumption to production, value addition, job creation and sustainable economic growth,” he said.
Responding, Governor Otu expressed appreciation to the elders for their visit, counsel and endorsement, describing their experience and wisdom as invaluable assets in state-building.
“When I look at the faces here, I see people who have reached the peak in their different professions and who have experiences which we still need in terms of nation-building and state-building,” Otu said.
He described the relationship between his administration and the elders as one of constructive partnership, stressing that the wisdom of the older generation remains an indispensable compass.
On outstanding benefits for retirees, Otu disclosed that government had commenced arrangements for the release of the next tranche of gratuity to retired civil servants before December. He assured the elders that the administration remains sensitive to the plight of retirees and is committed to progressively addressing the backlog.
The Governor also spoke on the state’s renewed efforts to secure its economic interests, particularly the campaign for recognition of Cross River’s oil-producing assets and the recovery of its oil wells.
“These things were created by God and the universe. As a people, if there is something that we owe the next generation, it is to hand over what God has given to us,” he said. “We take care of it and then hand it over to the next generation.”
He assured the elders that their support and experience would remain critical to the administration’s determination to build a stronger, more prosperous and united Cross River.
Former Deputy Governor of the state, Prof. Ivara Esu, was among dignitaries in attendance at the meeting.
By Daniel Bebia
