The attention of my office has been drawn to the protest done by some members of my ward and village.
Let me be unequivocally, the leaders and elders of ward six and Ishie Clan had no involvement in this protest. However, their grievances, though misguided will be addressed. We have a listening Governor and Government.
However, it is crucial to place this event in its proper context for the sake of our collective progress.
To suggest that Ikot Ishie has been sidelined in the administration of His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, is a narrative that does not align with the evident facts. Our community remains a proud and integral part of the Southern Senatorial District and Cross River State at large. This is demonstrated by the Governor’s inclusive appointments, which include:
1. Chief Victor-Felix Idem, an illustrious son of Ikot Ishie, who holds the strategic portfolio of Commissioner for Local Government Affairs.
2. Dr. (Elder) Esu Effiong Esu, our respected son, who was deemed competent and worthy to be appointed and served as Chairman of SUBEB.
3. My humble self, Hon. Stanley Nsemo, representing Calabar Municipality at the Cross River State House of Assembly (Me na Governor Pikin)
4. Elder Terrence Eyo, Chairman Technical Education Board.
Furthermore, we must not forget that an Ikot Ishie son currently sits as a Federal Commissioner in the Federal Civil Service Commission (Barr Eyoma Ededet) , a position of immense national significance. Added to this, the Mayor has blessed Ikot Ishie and Ward 6 with various appointments in the local government level. We are very well represented in the federal, state and local — we are blessed.
These appointments are not mere tokens; they are testaments to the confidence Governor Otu has in the competence of our people. The decision to redeploy our son from SUBEB is an administrative prerogative exercised by the Governor, who has the holistic picture of the state’s needs. It is not an act of victimization.
Let us also remember the historic support Ward 6, Ikot Ishie, gave to Governor Otu during the 2023 elections—the highest in the local government. This support was based on trust in his “People First” agenda. That trust was not misplaced then, and it will not change, not while I am leader of the Ward and s son of ikot ishie. Governance is a continuous process, and sometimes, strategic changes are made for the overall benefit of the state.
I urge every one of us to see beyond a single appointment. The administration of Governor Otu is laying a foundation for sustainable development, and Ikot Ishie is primed to benefit significantly. Better things are indeed coming. Let us not allow a momentary feeling to cloud the greater future that is being built for us. The Governor is doing well and we must give him our full support to continue to do well.
In the spirit of our forefathers, let us be wise and patient. As our ancient proverb goes, “eyen ikot ishie isi yamkpe idiok udua” (the child of Ikot Ishie does not sell a bad market). We achieve more through unity, strategic thinking, and collective action than through public dissent.
I assure you all that I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the interests of Ikot Ishie and the entire Calabar Municipality are robustly represented and protected.
Let us keep faith with our Governor and our government.
To His Excellency Sen Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Sir we are with you today, tomorrow and always. My Father Sir (Ntufam) Felix Okon Nsemo and other Elders of the Clan send their regards and complete fidelity.
Again, we Thank our Sweet Prince for his love for Calabar Municipality.
Hon. Stanley Nsemo
Member, Cross River State House of Assembly, Calabar Municipality Constituency.
25 September 2025
