...Calls for Continued Support for Otu beyond 2027 The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has called on non-indigenes residing in the state to continue supporting the administration of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu beyond 2027, citing the government's commitment to the welfare and well-being of all residents irrespective of their ethnic, religious, or regional backgrounds.
Odey made the call on Friday when he received in audience a delegation of the Cross River State APC Non-Indigenous Women at the Deputy Governor's Conference Room, Government House, Calabar.
Speaking during the meeting, the Deputy Governor emphasized that the Otu-led administration remains committed to inclusive governance, ensuring that every resident of the state enjoys equal opportunities and benefits from government policies and programmes.
According to him, while no society can completely eliminate crime, Cross River State has successfully reduced criminal activities to the barest minimum, creating a peaceful and an enabling environment where both indigenes and non-indigenes can live and conduct their businesses without fear.
Speaking further, he commended the Wife of the Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, for her numerous humanitarian and empowerment programmes, particularly those targeted at improving the lives of women across the state.
Rt. Hon. Odey noted that the First Lady's interventions have continued to positively impact thousands of women and vulnerable groups, complementing the administration's people-centered development agenda.
Earlier, the Leader of the Cross River State APC Non-Indigenous Women, Mrs. Nnenna Maria Ezaegu, formally congratulated the State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu and All Progressives Congress (APC) on the successful conduct of the party's congresses across all levels in the state.
She also informed the Deputy Governor of the formal opening of the APC Non-Indigenous Women's Office Complex, Calabar, which she said would serve as a rallying point for non-indigenous women and the coordination of their activities within the state.
Mrs. Ezaegu praised the efforts of the Wife of the Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, for her unwavering support and empowerment initiatives and formally invited the Deputy Governor to attend the grand opening ceremony of the group's secretariat.
In furtherance, Mrs. Ezaegu reaffirmed the commitment of non-indigenous women in the state to mobilizing greater support for Governor Bassey Otu, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and all the party's candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, while also pledging to encourage more eligible women to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), emphasizing the vital role of women in strengthening democracy and promoting inclusive political participation.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Edema Irom, Head of Peronal Staff to the Deputy Governor, Dr Chris Ojikpong, alongside representatives of various ethnic groups, including Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Akwa Ibom communities resident in the state, attended the meeting.
