On the 29th day of May 2023, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey took the oath of Office as deputy governor of Cross River State.
Many Cross Riverians may have seen him for the very first time, while others may have only heard his name during the electioneering and campaign period, and there might still be some group of persons who are still wondering who he is and what pedigree he has and why he was picked as Otu's running mate?
For the avoidance of doubt, Calabar Parrot brings to you a complete citation of Rt. Hon. Peter Agbe Odey:
Rt. Hon. Peter Agbe Odey was born on June 2nd, 1974, in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria.
Peter Odey completed his primary and secondary education in Ogoja, excelling in his studies. He then pursued a Bachelor's degree in Sociology at the University of Calabar, graduating in 1999. Subsequently, he participated in the National Youth Service Corps Scheme in Nguru, Yobe State, where he served as Community Liaison Officer (CLO).
Driven by his passion for knowledge, Odey sought higher education opportunities abroad. In 2003, he obtained a Master's degree in Political Sociology from the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium. Taking advantage of a scholarship, he pursued another Master's degree in International Relations with a specialization in Peace and Conflict Resolution at the London Metropolitan University in 2004, graduating with distinction.
Odey's exceptional brilliance and leadership qualities led to his employment as a Conflict Adviser at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). He served in various locations, including Kuwait, Sudan, and Abuja, before assuming the position of Head of Risk Management and Security at the Foreign Office in the British High Commission.
During his university days, Odey actively participated in student unionism and activism at the University of Calabar. He held elected positions and played significant roles in organizations such as the Student Union Government (SUG), the National Association of Cross River State Students (NACRISS), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
After two unsuccessful attempts to contest for the chairmanship of Ogoja and the Cross River State House of Assembly in 2007 and 2011, respectively, Odey emerged victorious in the election to represent the Ogoja State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly in 2015. He was re-elected in 2019 and currently holds the position of Leader of the Assembly.
Throughout his political career, Odey has demonstrated a commitment to community impact and selfless service. He has sponsored 11 bills and introduced several motions, including bills such as the Bill Domesticating the Sustainable Development Goals and Ministry of Sustainable Development, Bill to Create the Cross River State Privatization Council, Bill Establishing the Continuous Teacher Training Institute, and Bill to Establish the Ogoja Polytechnic, among others.
Odey's educational pursuits continue, as he has completed his LL.B at the University of Calabar and is in the final stages of his PhD in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.
In February 2023, Rt. Hon. Peter Agbe Odey was elected as the Deputy Governor of Cross River State in a joint ticket, securing a landslide victory. His Excellency, Rt Hon. Peter Agbe Odey, is committed to providing visionary people-oriented leadership centred on excellence.
