The governor of Cross River State in southern Nigeria, Senator Bassey Otu has reiterated his commitment to transform and grow the state’s economy for the benefit of residents.
Governor Otu restated the commitment during a thanksgiving service in honour of his Chief of Staff, Mr. Emmanuel Ironbar at the Bible Crusaders Christian Mission, Calabar.
Otu, in a remark, said that his mission was to grow Cross River economic fortunes and restore her pride of place in the country, saying “let me again use this opportunity to reiterate my campaign promise to the people. You will not regret voting me to office. My vision is to have a prosperous and sustainable Cross River State economy.
“To achieve that requires a lot. We have started, we are on track and we promise that with your support, we will deliver on our promises for an economically viable Cross River State. So, I urge you all to Keep faith with us and together let us move to the next level,” the governor said.
He reassured of his administration’s determination to return Cross River to its pride of place, pointing out that the noble achievements of his seven-month old leadership were merely “a tip of the iceberg.”
Concerning his Chief of Staff, Otu said, “Emmanuel Ironbark has been and is a trusted and reliable ally, an integral part of my success story. He is loyal, standing by me during difficult times. He is a complete man and strong support base.”
Also speaking at the thanksgiving service, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Emmanuel Ironbar expressed deep appreciation and thanked the Almighty for His guidance and safety throughout his political journey to government house.
He noted that despite challenges experienced along the way, “the Almighty God has been faithful. God’s grace saw us through difficult and not-so difficult times. It is fitting to give God thanks in the presence of the people because it is not by our power or might, but by the grace of God that we are here today.
“To my boss the governor, Senator Bassey Otu I thank you for your mentorship over the years. Being with you, working with you has provided me with great experiences. I am pledging my unalloyed loyalty and service to this government for the good of all our people,” he stressed.
The General Overseer of the church, Pastor Joseph Okoro said with the governor’s penchant for service delivery, Cross River State was primed for good governance.
He commended the Chief of Staff for taking out time to specially thank God as is expected for people to do.
Besides the governor, Senator Otu and his wife, Reverend Eyoanwan others present at the thanksgiving service were the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem; Secretary to the State Government, Professor Anthony Owan-Enoh; former deputy governor, Professor Ivara Esu; Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Mali, Mr Soni Abang.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche indicated that Nigeria’s former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Edem Duke; the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Alphonsus Eba, members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council amongst others also attended the event.
Olusola Akintonde
