By Kingsley Agim
A political pressure group, CODE 888, has thrown its weight behind the re-election of Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, declaring that the twin principles of equity and the administration’s performance provide compelling justification for the governor to complete a second term in office.
Speaking at a press conference in Calabar during the unveiling of the group’s “Complete the 8 Campaign,” the Director General of CODE 888, Engr. Maurice Nkong, said the initiative is designed to mobilise support for Governor Otu and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, while preserving the rotational governorship arrangement that has sustained political stability, fairness and inclusiveness in Cross River State since 1999.
Nkong described CODE 888 as a political pressure group established to promote equity, justice and fairness, stressing that the campaign is neither an attack on any individual nor an attempt to deny anyone the constitutional right to seek elective office. Rather, he said, it seeks to protect a political convention that has fostered peace and mutual trust among the state’s three senatorial districts.
According to him, the Southern Senatorial District deserves the same opportunity enjoyed by the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts, whose governors each completed two consecutive four-year terms, arguing that fairness demands that the current governor be allowed to complete the constitutionally permitted eight years.
He added that beyond the principle of equity, Governor Otu’s performance across critical sectors of governance has further strengthened the case for continuity. He cited improvements in security through Operation Okwok, road rehabilitation, environmental sanitation, healthcare reforms, support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and ongoing investments in education and public infrastructure as evidence of purposeful leadership.
“It is our considered position that if eight years was considered fair for previous senatorial districts, then the same standard of justice and equity should apply to the Southern Senatorial District. Continuity will also enable the present administration to consolidate the gains already recorded,” Nkong said.
He disclosed that the group would embark on consultations, grassroots engagements and policy dialogues across the 18 local government areas, engaging traditional rulers, youths, women, religious leaders and other stakeholders to build broad-based support for the campaign.
Also speaking, Engr. George Abang said the achievements of the Otu administration should be assessed through a holistic evaluation of governance indicators rather than isolated statistics. He pointed to ongoing school renovations, recruitment of teachers and health workers, revitalisation of primary healthcare centres and road rehabilitation projects as evidence of the administration’s commitment to improving the living standards of Cross Riverians.
Another member of the group, Mr. Great Ogban, said CODE 888 would sustain consultations and public engagements across the state, urging residents to support Governor Otu’s re-election in the interest of continuity, stability and the preservation of the peace the state has continued to enjoy.
Anthony Ugbe, another member of the group, argued that it would be premature to pass final judgment on the administration before the completion of its constitutional mandate. He expressed confidence that Governor Otu would leave a lasting legacy if given the opportunity to complete two terms in office.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful, lawful and issue-based advocacy, insisting that its campaign is driven by the desire to preserve equity, strengthen political stability and consolidate the developmental gains recorded under the People First administration.
Comments
Post a Comment