The people of Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State have pledged total support for Governor Bassey Otu, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The pledge was made at Etomi Community during the inauguration of the Evidence Group’s Etung chapter and ward executives. The colourful event attracted a wide range of grassroots support groups, including Etung Women in Politics, Etung Women Network, Kalakuta Republic, the Defendable Force, Amazon Ladies, among others, who turned out in solidarity with the group and its political mission.
The event also featured educational assistance for students and financial support for petty traders, women’s groups, cyclists and youths, reflecting the group’s emphasis on grassroots engagement and community support.
The Vice Chairman of Etung Local Government Council, Hon. Assam Amba, who represented the Council Chairman, Hon. Njar Anom, described Etung as a strong support base for Governor Otu and the APC. He recalled that the people had honoured the governor with a traditional title before supporting his governorship ambition in 2023.
“We have decided that we are going to be consistent with Prince Otu and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for 2027,” Amba declared.
He acknowledged the Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, Barr. Gilbert Agbor, as a formidable political force in Etung, identifying him, former council chairman and former Commissioner for Water Resources, Ntufam Gabriel Odu Oji, and other stakeholders as key figures in grassroots mobilisation. He assured that the process would remain peaceful and that the local government would stand firmly behind the APC.
Odu Oji urged the people to support Governor Otu, citing his efforts to recover Cross River State’s lost oil wells. According to him, the governor’s determination to restore the state’s status as an oil-producing state could strengthen its economic prospects.
“The fact that Otu has fought for Cross River to return as an oil-producing state is enough to bring economic stability,” he said.
On infrastructure, Odu Oji disclosed that the contractor handling the Ikom–Etomi–Agbokim Waterfalls road had assured him that work would resume before the end of October following the release of funds. He also commended the Evidence Group for extending support to vulnerable residents, petty traders, women and other occupational groups.
The Community Relations Officer of Etung Local Government Area and leader of E-NET, Mrs Victoria Njar, pledged to mobilise women across the area for Governor Otu, President Tinubu and other APC candidates. She described women as central to household and community development, expressing confidence that they would play a decisive role in securing electoral support in 2027.
Njar also appreciated Governor Otu for appointing Etung indigenes, including Professor Anthony Owan-Enoh as Secretary to the State Government and Barr. Gilbert Agbor as Special Adviser on Asset Management and Recovery. She said the appointments reflected recognition of the area and would encourage continued support for the administration.
The initiator of the Evidence Group, Mr Francis Edem Bassey, described the organisation as a youth-based platform designed to bring young people closer to government and governance. He urged youths to identify with the group and participate actively in its activities.
“Evidence Group is a youth-based support group which has come on board to give the young people of Cross River State a chance to be close to government,” Bassey said.
Following the inauguration of the Etung chapter and ward executives, Bassey charged the new officials to work as a team and mobilise support for Governor Otu, President Tinubu and other APC candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
In his acceptance remarks, the Etung Chapter Coordinator, Dr Nji Nji, advocated continuity in governance, commending Governor Otu for addressing gratuity obligations and pursuing infrastructure development. He urged the government to prioritise projects that directly benefit residents and pledged the chapter’s commitment to mobilising support for the governor, the president and APC candidates.
Highlights of the event included the inauguration of chapter and ward executives, educational assistance to students and financial support for petty traders, women’s groups, cyclists and youths.
By Kingsley Agim
