By Kelvin Obambon
The political landscape is shifting as the Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSCF) prepares for the inauguration of its Elders Advisory Council (EAC) on Thursday, December 11, 2025. The move, announced by the forum’s leadership, in Calabar on Tuesday, is a strategic step aimed at galvanizing grassroots support for the re-election of both Governor Bassey Edet Otu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for second term.
Chairman of CRSCF, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, highlighted the Forum’s genesis and its dual endorsement strategy, which began with a massive rally earlier this year.
“The Cross River State Consultative Forum was born after the endorsement rally by the Cross River South Consultative Forum,” Ekpo stated. “There was a massive endorsement rally in the month of July, where we endorsed His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for a second term and also His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term. We did give reasons for that endorsement, not just about party loyalty but about the massive achievement of this government both at the state and at the national level.”
READ ALSO: Gov Otu visits Chief of Air Staff, seeks stronger security partnerships
The Chairman heaped praise on Governor Otu, describing his actions over the past two and a half years as evidence of a “broad-minded, accommodating leader who has a vision for the entire state.”
Ekpo enumerated several achievements under the ‘People’s First’ mantra, noting that the Governor is keen on “building on what we have already,” rather than abandoning predecessors’ projects. He cited the renovation of the state library and the completion of the local government service commission building, and as well as the successful reclaiming of TINAPA from AMCON.
He said the government has set aside “N10 billion for payments of gratuities and pensions, which have been outstanding since 2013.” Additionally, the Chairman noted the launch of the Social Investment Program to support the vulnerable and indigenous students, alongside the forthcoming Cross River Youth Empowerment Scheme.
Barr. Ekpo stated that the forum’s efforts are also geared towards strengthening Cross River’s position in national politics. He explained that the state’s poor performance in the 2023 presidential election has limited its voice at the national level, a situation the CRSCF is determined to fix.
“We must in 2027 give enough to be able to have a bargaining chip for Cross River State at the national level,” he asserted. The plan involves extensive “citizens engagement, to tell them why this needs to be so.”
To spearhead this mobilization and solidify the political system, the Elders Advisory Council (EAC) will be unveiled. The council, comprising no less than 70 respected Cross Riverians from across the three senatorial districts, will be chaired by former Governor Chief Clement Ebri.
Dr. Julius Okputu, Secretary of the Forum, emphasized the significance of the choice of Ebri, noting that the former Governor is “foundational to a lot of things.” He also revealed a notable coincidence, “the inauguration date, December 11, is Governor Ebri’s birthday.”
Dr, Okputu stressed that the council will consolidate the state’s rich past and continue the Governor Otu’s objective of delivering “infrastructural justice” to restore the state’s prominence.
Further bolstering the administration’s credentials, Sir Maurice Effiwatt, Treasurer of the Forum, detailed significant milestones in the public service sector. “There was embargo on promotion since 2016. As we speak now, we promoted over 2,000 staff,” Effiwatt revealed, adding that over 5,000 people have been recruited into the state and local government service. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to regularize and payroll about 300 forest guards engaged in 2024, but were not payrolled due to some irregularities.
Sir Effiwatt reaffirmed that the forum is actively working to ensure Governor Otu has a “seamless transition into his second term,” believing no one should challenge him in 2027 given the current success.
