Cross River State former governors, Clement Ebri and Liyel Imoke, have expressed confidence in the current Governor Bassey Otu for his visionary leadership that has plunged the state to an upward trajectory barely over a year on the saddle of leadership.
The two elder statesmen made this known at Governor Otu’s award of the “Premier’s Prize 2024 – Leadership Award, Golden Plaque category,” by the late Michael Okpara Foundation, held recently in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Erstwhile governor Clement Ebri spoke glowingly of the incumbent Governor Otu, saying, “He has earned it. He is very forthright, focused, and development-oriented. I see him working in the footsteps of Michael Okpara, who did so much good work for the state”.
Former Governor Liyel Imoke added, “This honour speaks volumes of the credibility of the foundation and is a great commendation of the work being put in by our Governor. He has started well and should continue the good work. Also, all of us must contribute towards bringing the state to its glory days. I wish him the very best.”
Also pouring encomium on Otu, Senator Eteng Williams of Cross River Central Senatorial District said: “I’m more proud because he is doing well. He is moving with the mantra of ‘People First’ and he is true to his words because all his programmes have been people-oriented. If the Michael Okpara Foundation can identify him as doing well, that means truly he is doing well. He is working for the people and yes, he is for the people. I am very proud that I am a Cross Riverian.”
In his response, Governor Otu pledged his commitment to the people of Cross River State, stating, “It is a call to move in his great landmark and do even more and bring our state to its rightful place. We are working with some of the blueprints of the late Michael Okpara in a more modern form. I dedicate this award to Cross Riverians because it is the support from the citizenry that has brought me this far. My assurance is that we would do even more for the benefit of our people, our dear state, and the generations to come.”