From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has called on citizens to unite and chart a new direction for the state as he formally returned his governorship nomination form ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking in Abuja shortly after submitting the form, reportedly obtained on his behalf by a group of Cross Riverians, the governor stressed the urgent need for collective action to reposition the state for greater political relevance and sustainable development.
Otu said Cross River must embrace a renewed sense of purpose, noting that unity and shared vision remain critical to achieving meaningful progress.
“Cross River must begin to chart a proper direction for its people. We have the capacity to rise stronger if we close ranks and pursue a common vision,” he stated.
Addressing supporters and lawmakers, the governor emphasized that leadership and political power should not be a source of division, but rather an opportunity to serve with fairness and humility.
“Power comes from God. For me, I will always do my best to be fair. Nobody should see political outcomes as personal affronts,” Otu said.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to equity, justice, and inclusive governance, stressing that honesty and integrity remain the foundation of lasting leadership.
“I don’t have any enemy. I don’t hate anybody. But we must always do what is right because only truth stands the test of time,” he added.
The governor, however, expressed concern over what he described as Cross River’s declining political influence at the national level, attributing it to poor voter participation and internal disunity.
“In this current dispensation, we have lost a lot. Our voting strength was weak, and we failed to create the necessary impact,” he lamented.
Otu warned that persistent political divisions have weakened the state’s bargaining power, noting that even smaller political groups had, at times, outperformed Cross River due to lack of cohesion.
“When we engage in unnecessary arguments and factionalism, it becomes a problem. We must move beyond that,” he said.
He also decried what he described as inequitable distribution of federal opportunities, suggesting that the state had not received its fair share of political appointments.
“When positions were shared, we expected more representation, but that did not happen. We must ensure such situations do not recur,” he stated.
According to the governor, exclusion from political participation often fuels unhealthy competition and desperation among politicians.
“If more people are carried along in governance, we won’t have the kind of life-and-death politics we see today,” he noted.
Reflecting on the brevity of political tenure, Otu urged leaders to focus on long-term development rather than short-term gains.
“Four years is very short. We have already spent one, and the rest will go quickly. We must use this time to build a sustainable future,” he said.
He concluded by calling for reconciliation and unity across political, ethnic, and regional divides, assuring the people of his continued commitment to the state’s progress.
“Let us join hands to build a better Cross River. I promise to continue working tirelessly to make that a reality,” the governor declared.
