Cross River Governor Reassures APC Stakeholders of Responsible Governance

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been assured of responsible, accountable and transparent governance in Cross River State, southern Nigeria.

The governor, Senator Bassey Otu gave the assurance during an APC stakeholders meeting held at the Calabar International Convention Centre in Calabar, the state capital.

According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Cross River Governor, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche, Senator Otu praised his predecessor, Sir Ben Ayade for moving the state to APC.

Governor Otu stated, “God has bestowed upon us the responsibility of taking our dear state forward. Cross River had suffered under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I thank God for using my predecessor, Senator Ben Ayade, to break the state free from the shackles of the PDP.

“Let me also thank the people, especially the APC faithful, for your efforts and support, which saw us trounce every opposition at the last elections. Today, PDP is history in our state,” Otu announced.

He noted that within the past four months as governor, his administration has been able to revive Cross River and would continue to initiate critical intervention programme in line with the People First’ agenda, which would be immensely beneficial to the people.

Embrace dialogue

In regards to the APC, Otu promised to set up caucuses in all the local government areas for enhanced consultation and resolutions of any outstanding matters, stressing the importance of dialogue for resolving conflict peacefully.

The governor promised to give more appointive positions to party members so that they can join in rebuilding the state.

He cautioned party stakeholders against divisive actions, stating “the Cross River Project takes precedence over any individual’s interest. We are on course to building a virile economy that would make political appointments unattractive. Economic prosperity is imminent.”

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to complete the Obudu Cargo Airport before the end of this year as well as enlarge the Cally Air fleet including transforming the Bebi Airstrip in Obanliku local government area into an aviation school under the PPP (Public Private Partnership) arrangement.

Otu continued, “the quest to regain Bakassi has also begun in earnest. We also want to be compensated in terms of land mass. We intend to serve creditably so that the people would indeed be glad that they voted us at the end of the day.”

The APC stakeholders meeting was attended by the deputy governor, Mr. Peter Odey, the state party chairman, Mr. Alphonsus Eba, former deputy governor, Professor Ivara Esu and the former Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba.

Others included serving national assembly members and elder statesmen as well as the  Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor Florence Obi and the former Acting National Chairman of the APC, Ntufam Hilliard Eta.

Lateefah Ibrahim