Cross River State governor, Bassey Otu has delivered what he described as a “State of the Union” address, rallying elders and critical stakeholders of Cross River State to unite behind his administration’s quest to restore justice and reclaim the state’s status among oil-producing states in the Niger Delta.
Addressing a select gathering in Calabar, the governor said his administration was committed to “righting the wrongs and injustice occasioned by the malicious deletion” of the state from the oil-producing bloc, assuring that ongoing efforts would ultimately return Cross River to its rightful position.
He thanked the leaders for their steadfast support while appealing for patience as government works to “get the state out of the woods.”
The event drew an array of prominent figures including former governors Donald Duke and Pam Ogar, alongside former and serving lawmakers, ex-deputy governors and the current deputy governor, Peter Odey.
Speaking on the theme: “Justice and Welfare Through Strength and Unity,” Otu struck a reflective tone, declaring: “I stand before you today, humbled by the weight of history and the responsibilities that lie ahead,” adding that Cross River, “like the legendary Phoenix, has risen from the ashes time and again to reclaim its rightful place.”
He acknowledged prevailing concerns among some leaders, noting “whispers of withering faith and echoes of opposition for opposition’s sake,” but insisted his administration would remain resolute. Quoting wartime rhetoric, he declared: “We shall fight… we shall never surrender, not because we won’t, but because the people will not allow it.”
The governor pointed to strides made under his leadership, asserting: “We have taken bold steps in strengthening our infrastructure, repositioning agriculture, refining education, boosting tourism and deepening social welfare, while our security remains top notch.” On the lingering oil well dispute, he assured: “Our struggle continues, and I assure you, we shall prevail.”
Governor Otu, however, emphasized that the moment called not for self-congratulation but for collective resolve. “I have not come here to boast,” he said, “but to enlist your support, your prayers and your unity for strength and success,” adding in a philosophical note that he was “in alignment with Heaven and holding Heaven accountable to complete what it has started.”
Calling for unity across political divides, he urged leaders to rise above differences, invoking classical wisdom: “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” he said, stressing that unity among leaders remains “the first pillar of enduring governance.” He acknowledged the contributions of past administrations, noting: “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants like you.”
The governor warned against forces he described as seeking to “redefine our destiny by weakening our collective resolve,” cautioning that disunity could undermine the state’s aspirations. “We must rise up and seek justice through truth,” he charged, adding that “we cannot cuddle injustice disguised as diplomacy or technicality.”
On the contentious oil well dispute with Akwa Ibom State, Otu maintained that Cross River’s exclusion was based on flawed premises. “We came up to say no,” he declared, insisting that the state retains a valid littoral status tied to the Calabar estuary and should benefit from offshore resources along the Nigerian-Cameroon maritime boundary.
He further argued that modern hydrographic mapping and inter-agency reviews have affirmed Cross River’s position. “Nature does not lie. Seaward coastlines speak. Oil is not stagnant,” he said, expressing confidence that ongoing engagements would yield a favourable outcome, particularly in line with the justice-driven ethos of the current federal administration.
In a stirring conclusion, the governor urged stakeholders to close ranks in the interest of the state. “We must be strong, brave, devoted, patriotic and united enough to protect Cross Riverians. If we don’t, who will? If not now, when?” he asked, adding that history would judge leaders by their ability to rise above division and defend the collective welfare of the people.
