Cross River North has produced some of the finest and most influential leaders in Cross River State and indeed Nigeria. Many of these leaders, however, are largely defined by the high positions they have occupied.
High Chief Higgins Peters stands out differently. Widely regarded as the Natural Leader of the North, he has carved a unique and undeniable space in the politics and development of the senatorial district. Love him or disagree with him, no one can ignore the influence he wields, interestingly, without holding any major elective or appointive position in recent times.
While some, particularly those deeply rooted in traditional protocol, may disagree with him, it is difficult to argue against the title of “Natural Leader” that his admirers have bestowed upon him. Through his seamless integration into the power structures and influential circles across the entire state, High Chief Higgins Peters has earned this recognition.
In a senatorial district where virtually every political actor nurses personal ambitions, polarization has often been the order of the day. Leaders who should ordinarily unite the people sometimes end up dividing them in pursuit of personal interests. This is where High Chief Higgins stands tall.
He shows little interest in seeking any particular position for himself. Instead, his focus remains on bringing the North together to collectively chart a sustainable path for the development of its people and the district.
Cross River North has always been strategically important to the politics of the state. It has been the centre piece of the state politics since the return of democratic rule to Nigeria. However, due to internal divisions, the district has rarely harnessed its full potential to exert maximum influence.
The 2023 general elections provided a clear demonstration of its strength. Despite having the fewest local government areas amongst the three senatorial districts, the North delivered the highest number of votes across all elections. In the first poll, votes from the North surpassed the combined total from the other two senatorial districts. In the gubernatorial election, the North had the highest votes ; in fact, the votes from the two other senatorial districts when put together, will be more than the votes from the North by a narrow margin of about 6,000.
For too long, this numerical advantage was not translated into tangible benefits for the people. However, through the strategic coordination and behind the scenes lobbying and negotiations, High Chief Higgins is influencing many things to the senatorial district. His efforts have helped secure substantial interventions from the Governor Bassey Otu administration, including funds for the construction of critical road networks across the district. When you put all the kilometers of roads the Otu administration is constructing in the North, the number will be as high or more than other places.
The revival of the iconic Obudu Mountain Resort, which was nearly comatose, is another major milestone. The resort is now back to life and recently ranked as one of the top tourist destinations in Nigeria. This resurgence is already boosting the local economy and enhancing the image of both the district and the state.
While we believe more can still be done for our people, we must commend Governor Otu for these interventions and acknowledge the role played by leaders like High Chief Higings. He may not be a conventional politician, but his ability to sit in influential boardrooms and conversations not to push personal interests, but to advocate for the collective good of the North is commendable.
As the contest for the soul of the APC in Cross River North intensifies ahead of the primaries, he is expected to play a key role in fostering unity. Aspirants and their supporters must commit to maintaining the relative stability the district and the ruling party currently enjoy. Whoever emerges as the candidate must receive the full support of all stakeholders, because ultimately, it is not about any individual but the progress, unity, and prosperity of Cross River North and its people.
-Inyali Peter, Ph.D.
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