The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has declared that Cross River remains open and accommodating to all residents irrespective of ethnic, religious or regional affiliations, urging non-indigenes living in the state to sustain their support for Governor Senator Bassey Otu's administration beyond the 2027 general elections.
Odey made the call on Friday when he received a delegation of the Cross River State APC Non-Indigenous Women at the Deputy Governor's Conference Room, Government House, Calabar.
Addressing the delegation, the Deputy Governor said the Otu administration has remained committed to inclusive governance, ensuring that both indigenes and non-indigenes benefit from government programmes and development initiatives.
According to him, Governor Otu's People First agenda is founded on fairness, unity and equal opportunity for all residents, regardless of their backgrounds.
"Cross River State is open to everyone. This administration does not discriminate based on tribe, religion or place of origin. We are committed to the welfare and well-being of all residents, and that is why I urge you to continue supporting Governor Bassey Otu beyond 2027," Odey said.
He noted that the government has continued to create an enabling environment for businesses and investments to thrive, adding that the prevailing peace in the state has made Cross River one of the safest destinations for residents and visitors alike.
While acknowledging that no society is completely free of crime, Odey maintained that Cross River has succeeded in reducing criminal activities to the barest minimum through deliberate security interventions and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
"Though no society can completely eliminate crime, we have reduced criminal activities significantly and created a peaceful atmosphere where people can live, work and conduct their businesses without fear," he stated.
The Deputy Governor also commended the Wife of the Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, for her humanitarian and empowerment programmes, which he said have positively impacted women and vulnerable groups across the state.
He noted that the First Lady's interventions have improved livelihoods, promoted social inclusion and complemented the administration's broader development objectives.
Earlier, the Leader of the Cross River State APC Non-Indigenous Women, Mrs. Nnenna Maria Ezaegu, congratulated Governor Otu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the successful conduct of the party's congresses at all levels across the state.
She also informed the Deputy Governor of the formal opening of the APC Non-Indigenous Women's Office Complex in Calabar, describing it as a central hub for coordinating the activities of non-indigenous women and strengthening their participation in the political process.
Mrs. Ezaegu praised Bishop Eyoanwan Otu for her unwavering support for women through various empowerment and welfare programmes, noting that her initiatives have continued to inspire confidence among women across ethnic divides.
She formally invited the Deputy Governor to attend the grand opening ceremony of the group's secretariat and expressed appreciation for the inclusive disposition of the Otu administration toward non-indigenous communities in the state.
Reaffirming the group's loyalty to the ruling party, Ezaegu pledged that non-indigenous women would intensify efforts to mobilise support for Governor Otu, the APC and all party candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
She also assured that members of the group would encourage more eligible women to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stressing the importance of women's participation in strengthening democracy.
"We remain committed to mobilising support for Governor Bassey Otu and the APC. We will also continue to encourage women to register and obtain their voter cards so they can actively participate in the democratic process," she said.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Edema Irom; the Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Chris Ojikpong; and representatives of various ethnic communities resident in the state, including Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Akwa Ibom groups.
By Ukongikwen Adie
