The Cross River South Consultative Forum (CRSCF) held its first-ever stakeholders conference on Sunday at the Metropolitan Hotel in Calabar, bringing together leaders, elders, and political stakeholders from the Southern Senatorial District. The event, themed “Advancing the People’s First Mantra!”, was aimed at fostering unity, evaluating the progress of the state under Governor Bassey Otu’s administration, and strategizing for the continued development of the region.
The conference was chaired by Prof. Evara Ejemot Esu, former Deputy Governor of Cross River State, who served as the Chairman of the occasion. Keynote addresses were delivered by Hon. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, Esq., Chairman of the CRSCF, and Sir Maurice Effiwatt, Secretary of the forum. Both leaders highlighted the achievements of Governor Otu and emphasized the need for sustained support for his administration.
In his address, Hon. Eyo Nsa Ekpo lauded Governor Bassey Otu for his exceptional leadership and transformative impact on the state. He recounted the forum’s origins, noting that it was born out of necessity in 2023 to address issues such as political appointments and ensure alignment with the state’s leadership.
“We mobilized to Abuja to meet with our representatives in the National Assembly and our ministers to demand absolute loyalty to Governor Bassey Otu as the captain of the ship of Cross River State. We are pleased that they agreed with our demands,” Ekpo stated.
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He highlighted the Governor’s humility, commitment to grassroots development, and focus on infrastructure, electricity, and youth empowerment as key factors driving his popularity among the people.
“For the first time, I have seen a governor who connects so deeply with the masses. His humility and dedication to the ‘People First’ mantra are unparalleled. Roads are being constructed, electricity is reaching remote villages, and young people are being empowered. This is the essence of governance,” Ekpo added.
Sir Maurice Effiwatt, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude for the successful convening of the forum, which marked its first major gathering since its inception two years ago. He noted that the forum’s expansion was necessary to bring in more stakeholders who could contribute to the development of the state.
“This summit is the first of its kind, and it is designed to chart a way forward for us as a state, particularly for the Southern Senatorial District, which has the privilege of hosting the governorship of Cross River State,” Effiwatt said.
During the conference, Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, Chairman of the State Advisory Council, and Rt. Hon. Francis Asuquo, Member representing Odukpani State Constituency and Leader of the 10th Cross River State House of Assembly, moved separate motions for a vote of confidence in Governor Bassey Otu. The motions were unanimously adopted by the forum, reflecting the overwhelming support for the Governor’s leadership and his administration’s achievements.
“Governor Otu has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a clear vision for Cross River State. We are confident in his ability to continue delivering on his promises and transforming our state,” Prof. Nyong stated.
The forum highlighted several achievements of the Otu administration, including infrastructure development, electricity projects, youth empowerment, and agricultural investments.
The conference concluded with a call for continued collaboration and strategic planning to address the challenges facing the state. The forum pledged to work closely with the Governor and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of development projects and policies.
Present at the meeting were Etubom Nya Asuquo, former Ambassador of Nigeria; Prof. Ivara Esu; Ntufam Eyo Nsa Willey; Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong; Ntufam John Okon; Ntufam Edim Inok; Prof. Offiong Effanga Offiong of the University of Calabar; Hon. Abigail Duke, the State’s Commissioner for Commerce; all nine legislators representing state constituencies within the Southern Senatorial District including the Leader of the House and Chairman of the Caucus, Rt. Hon. Francis Asuquo (Odukpani), Hon. Linus Bassey Etim (Akamkpa II), Hon. Okon Owuna (Akamkpa I), Hon. Bassey Effiong Bassey (Akpabuyo), Hon. Eyo Bassey (Bakassi), Hon. Francis Onete Ogban (Biase), Hon. Stanley Bassey Nsemo (Calabar Municipal), Hon. Effiong Ekarika (Calabar South I), and Hon. Victor Nsa (Calabar South II); all members of the State Executive Council from the southern senatorial district, all Director Generals of boards from the south, all local government chairmen from Cross River South, traditional rulers from the south and a host of others.
