Special Assistants Forum Celebrates Governor Otu’s Two Years in Office, Endorses Him for Second Term in 2027

 

The Forum of Special Assistants to the Governor of Cross River State on Tuesday converged in a grand celebration to mark the second anniversary of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s administration. The event served as both a tribute to his courageous and people-centered leadership and a formal endorsement for a second term in office come 2027.

The gathering, themed “People First in Action – The Journey Thus Far,” drew dignitaries from across various sectors, reflecting the broad support and admiration the Governor enjoys from citizens and government functionaries alike.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Forum, Mr. Andrea Ekeng Inyang, praised Governor Otu for his remarkable blend of compassion, courage, and visionary governance. He stated that the governor’s commitment to the welfare of the people has not only inspired hope but rekindled trust in government as a responsive institution.

“This is not a leader who merely sits in office,” Inyang declared. “This is a man who has stood with his people, walked with them through their challenges, and is delivering on promises with purpose and clarity.”

Mr. Inyang stated several milestones recorded under the Otu administration, especially his commitment to completing inherited projects. He commended the Governor’s prudent use of resources, his determination to eliminate waste, and his emphasis on delivering true value to citizens.

He particularly applauded Governor Otu’s approach to security through Operation Okwok, describing it as a shift toward a more humane and community-driven strategy that has restored peace and trust across communities.

Infrastructure development was another major focus of the tribute. The chairman pointed to the ongoing rehabilitation of the Adiabó–Eseku Road, a route abandoned for nearly three decades. He described it as a strategic economic corridor that will serve as an alternative gateway into the state and stimulate growth in the capital city.

Inyang also celebrated the ongoing full-scale rehabilitation of the Parliamentary Extension, a once-forgotten urban project that is now set to restore mobility and urban order in Calabar.

“These are not just roads or buildings,” Inyang emphasized. “They are symbols of restored hope, of a government that sees, listens, and acts.”

Among other achievements, the chairman mentioned the revitalized Cross River State Library, which now serves as a modern hub for intellectual growth and community healing, and the Nsan–Oban Road, which for years created a disconnect between Akamkpa Constituency I and II, but is now fostering unity and commerce.

He also acknowledged the rebirth of the Calabar Urban Water Scheme, which has resumed flow and restored dignity to homes and communities, and the rejuvenation of key tourism assets such as Tinapa and the Calabar International Conference Centre (ICC), which have been realigned to serve economic and social development goals.

Inyang expressed deep appreciation for the Governor’s trust in the youth, noting that his appointment of young, energetic, and visionary Special Assistants reflects his deliberate commitment to building a legacy through empowerment and inclusion.

“We are not here by chance,” he stated. “We are part of a transformative vision — one that is empowering young people to think, act, and lead. For this, we are immensely grateful.”

In conclusion, the Forum unanimously endorsed Governor Bassey Otu for a second term, citing his unmatched performance and deep-rooted connection with the people as reasons he must continue beyond 2027.

“Governor Otu has proven that governance can be about service, integrity, and genuine transformation,” the SA Forum Chairman said. 

“We stand with him today, and we will stand with him tomorrow — for continuity, for progress, for the people.”

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