In a massive show of solidarity, members of the Scrap Dealers Association in Cross River State on Thursday staged a rally through major streets in Calabar to endorse Governor Bassey Otu for a second term in office.
The group cited the administration’s unprecedented peace, business-friendly policies, and inclusive governance as key reasons for their support.
The endorsement rally, which drew hundreds of union members from all 18 local government areas, saw leaders from various factions of the scrap metal industry unite under the banner of the Scrap Dealers Support Group for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu 2027.
Addressing journalists during the rally, which started at the Millennium Park and proceeded through Calabar Road, Mary Slessor, Marian Hill, IBB, Calabar Road, Leopard Road, and back to the Millennium Park, Evangelist Kelvin Asuquo, Chairman of the Canaan City Scrap Dealers Association Support Group for President Tinubu and Governor Otu 2027, emphasised the importance of grassroots backing for the administration's continuity.
"We are here in solidarity for good governance and to express appreciation for the tangible dividends of democracy dotted across the State," Asuquo said.
"All the scrap dealers across the State are here to drum our support and assure the Governor that we are solidly behind him."
"Governor Bassey Otu, our sweet Prince, the friend of the vulnerable, has identified with both the big and the small in society without any form of discrimination," Asuquo declared.
"That is why the entire scrap metal family is here in Calabar for this rally, and I want to assure you that we won't shift our grounds in our support for our Governor."
The union leaders made their political intentions clear, with Asuquo stating: "We want him to continue as our Governor. By the special grace of God, come January 2027, we are going to cast our vote for APC, from House of Assembly members to Mr President."
On his part, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Association, Alhaji Umaru Abubakar, who set the tone for the gathering, declared that the union's support is unequivocal and non-negotiable.
"Most of us are here today to support Governor Bassey Otu for another four years in office. It is four-plus-four and nothing less," Abubakar stated emphatically.
"Cross River has not had it so good in a long while, particularly the peace we enjoy as business people in the State, not only in the metropolis but across the 18 local government areas. The enabling business environment has been created, and we are happy that he came at this time."
Alhaji Abubakar explained that the rally was organised specifically to demonstrate the union's appreciation for the Governor's leadership and to send a clear message of continued support.
Echoing these sentiments, Alhaji Hamza Ahmed Isa, one of the union's executive members, highlighted the industry's contribution to the State's development.
"Our role in the development of the State cannot be overemphasised, and we have come here to tell the Governor that we are part of his development of the State," Isa remarked. "This is an opportunity for us to come close to Government to show our support right from the grassroots."
The union's leaders praised Governor Otu's inclusive approach to leadership, describing him as a "sweet Prince" who has identified with both the big and small in society without discrimination.
The women's wing leader of the union, Hon. Mrs Mercy Mgbe, was particularly vocal in the endorsement, speaking passionately about the Governor's impact on women and families.
"As you can see today, we are here because of one resident who has been in charge of Cross River State," Mrs Mgbe stated. "The main reason we are supporting him is because, after we elected him into office, we have been seeing the good things he has been doing for us."
Mrs Mgbe emphasised the critical role of women in business and governance, noting: "Women are not exceptional when it comes to business. If you see any business that has no women inside, please run away from that business."
The women leaders specifically commended the Governor's initiatives impacting children and mothers, particularly programmes initiated through Bishop Mrs Bassey Otu's "Humanity Without Borders" initiative.
"On behalf of women in Cross River State, we come out in numbers to support, as we preach," Mrs Mgbe declared. "In 2027, we the women of this State rise to support, as we preach."
The union members praised Governor Otu for his efforts in restoring Cross River State's lost glory after years of what they described as total collapse.
"Senator Prince Bassey Otu has done so much to restore the lost glory of Cross River after years of total collapse," the union leaders stated collectively. "We have come here to support him and Mr President for a second term so they can complete the good works they have started, which are already impacting our children and mothers."
The rally concluded with a unified pledge from all union members to mobilise their networks and ensure victory for Governor Otu and the APC in the upcoming elections.
The scrap dealers' endorsement adds to the growing chorus of support from various sectors of Cross River society for Governor Otu's re-election bid, as the State continues to experience what many describe as a new era of peace, development, and inclusive governance under his leadership.
By Nakanda Iyadim
