By: Dr. Nwambu Gabriel, Convener, Coalition for the Protection of Democracy in Nigeria
(CPDN)
(A Joint Position Statement by a Coalition of 91 Civil Society and Non-Governmental
Organizations)
When His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, assumed office as the Executive
Governor of Cross River State, he did not just inherit a state; he inherited the high expectations
of a people yearning for structure, economic rebirth, and genuine human empathy.
Three years
into his administration, operating under the ideological banner of the “People First” agenda,
Governor Otu has moved beyond mere political rhetoric. He has engineered a profound
socio-economic transformation that has stabilized, revitalized, and repositioned Cross River
State as a model of good governance in Nigeria. 
As a united front of 91 civil society and non-governmental organizations dedicated to tracking
public accountability, national stability, and democratic consolidation, the Coalition for the
Protection of Democracy in Nigeria has independently monitored this journey. From our
rigorous field assessments, stakeholder dialogues, and direct score-card evaluations, our
verdict is clear: Governor Bassey Otu has earned the absolute trust of the people, and his
remarkable achievements make a compelling case for continuity, consolidation, and a
well-deserved second term.
Here is why Cross River State must protect its progress by ensuring the continuity of the Otu
administration.
1. Architectural Rebirth and Sovereign Economic Triumphs
For years, key economic catalysts in Cross River State lay dormant, locked in legal and financial
bottlenecks. Governor Otu broke these chains through exceptional diplomatic and administrative
grit.
● The Bakassi Deep Seaport Milestone: Securing the federal Certificate of Compliance
for the $2.27 billion Bakassi Deep Seaport is an unprecedented breakthrough. By clearing
the path for this maritime masterpiece, Otu has laid the groundwork to transform the state
into West Africa’s premier trade gateway.
● The Reclamation of Tinapa: Rescuing Tinapa Business and Resort Limited from the
clutches of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) represents an
monumental victory for state pride and asset recovery, unlocking massive avenues for
incoming private equity.
● Prudent Financial Engineering: Without burdening the common citizen with harsh
taxes, the administration deployed advanced tracking and digitization to drive Internally
Generated Revenue (IGR) up by over 11%—skyrocketing past 36 billion Naira and giving
Cross River unprecedented fiscal resilience.
2. Restoring Dignity to the Workforce and Senior Citizens
A democracy is only as strong as its commitment to human welfare. Prior to 2023, the morale of
the Cross River civil service was weighed down by a legacy of unpaid debts and a stagnant
workforce. Governor Otu chose to confront these challenges.
Clearing the Gratuity Backlog: In an unparalleled act of leadership empathy, the
Governor released 10 billion Naira specifically to clear decades-old outstanding
gratuities, bringing long-awaited justice and financial relief to senior citizens who spent
their youth serving the state.
● Breaking the 25-Year Embargo: By lifting a quarter-century-old ban on public
employment, the administration successfully injected 2,500 qualified young professionals
into the state service, regularized outstanding legacy salaries, and institutionalized a
comprehensive Personnel and Pension Audit to permanently eradicate ghost-worker
syndicates.
3. An Agrarian Revolution Built on Inclusivity
Governor Otu recognizes that sustainable development begins at the grass roots. Instead of
cosmetic agricultural projects, his administration chose structural modernization.
● Crop-Specific Clusters & Mechanization: By establishing strategic production
zones—such as rice in Ndok (Ogoja), cocoa in Ikom and Etung, oil palm in Boki, and
cassava in Odukpani—the state has optimized its natural advantages.
● Empowering Rural Cooperatives: The distribution of 108 three-wheel tractors to
farming cooperatives and 100 commercial and fishing boats to riverine communities
demonstrates a hands-on commitment to elevating smallholder farmers directly, removing
exploitative middle-men and moving Cross River closer to total food security.
4. Stabilizing Security, Rebuilding Infrastructure, and Reviving
Tourism
Governance cannot thrive in chaos. The Otu administration’s overhaul of the state’s security
apparatus has yielded undeniable dividends.
● The Akpabuyo Peace Model: Volatile flashpoints like Akpabuyo Local Government Area
have been thoroughly stabilized. This restoration of law and order has directly revived
civic life, commercial operations, and academic continuity at vital institutions like Arthur
Jarvis University.
● Urban Renewal and Streetlighting: From remodeling the core engine room of
governance—the Governor’s Office—to reconstructing the ultra-modern state library and
blanketing Calabar Metropolis with solar-powered streetlighting, urban spaces have
become safer, more vibrant, and highly attractive to investors.
● Rebranding Africa’s Warmest Welcome: Under Otu’s deliberate direction, the flagship
Carnival Calabar was successfully rebranded and expanded, attracting massive global
traffic, boosting hospitality revenues, and reclaiming the state’s rightful crown as Africa’s
ultimate tourism hub.
5. Social Safety Nets: Education and Healthcare
In an era of challenging national economic shifts, the “People First” philosophy became a shield
for vulnerable families.
● Free Education and WAEC Subsidies: By declaring free tuition in public primary and
secondary schools and fully absorbing WAEC examination fees, Governor Otu ensured
that no child’s future is truncated by financial hardship.
Upgrading Rural Healthcare: The administration’s proactive policy has upgraded local
government hospitals to meet national minimum standards and deployed modern medical
hardware, ensuring that qualitative healthcare is a right, not a luxury, for rural dwellers.
The Verdict of Civil Society: Why Continuity is
Mandatory
True democracy is not just about holding elections; it is about protecting sustainable progress.
When a leader demonstrates an exceptional capacity to combine massive infrastructural
development with profound human capital investments, it becomes a civic duty to protect that
leadership model.
Governor Bassey Otu’s first three years in office have re-established structural integrity,
transparency, and public trust in Cross River State. His governance style does not look at the
next election; it looks at the next generation. Changing the captain of the ship at this critical
junction of economic takeoff—especially as mega projects like the Bakassi Deep Seaport and
agricultural value chains reach full maturity—would mean disrupting a finely tuned engine of
progress.
The national recognition accorded to him, including being honored as The Sun Newspaper’s
Governor of the Year, is a testament to what the country already knows: Cross River State has
found a steady, visionary, and compassionate leader.
As a coalition of 91 organizations representing the voices, aspirations, and awareness of the
civic population, the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy in Nigeria firmly declares its
support for the continuity of the “People First” agenda. Governor Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet
Otu has earned his stripes, fulfilled his promises, and thoroughly deserves a second term to fully
actualize the glorious destiny of Cross River State.
Let the progress continue.
Dr. Nwambu Gabriel,
Convener: Coalition for the Protection of Democracy in Nigeria (CPDN)
