From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, has called on the people of Obudu to live in peace and unity for the progress of the area and the attainment of greater political achievements.
Governor Otu made the appeal while endorsing the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Sylvester Agabi, for a second term in office.
The governor urged political stakeholders in Obudu to embrace sacrifice, continuity, and unity in the overall interest of the state.
Speaking during an enlarged stakeholders’ engagement involving party leaders, elders, women groups, and political aspirants, Governor Otu said the decision to retain Agabi was informed by the strategic importance of Obudu to the administration and the need to sustain stability within the legislature.
“It is very difficult to scatter a winning team because it takes time again to build,” the governor declared, adding that “we are not ready to start teaching people again” at a critical stage of governance and institutional consolidation.
The meeting featured extensive deliberations on zoning and political succession in Obudu, with several stakeholders defending the rotational arrangement that has guided political offices in the local government since 1999.
Former Chairman of Obudu Local Government, Boniface Eraye, alongside other speakers, argued that zoning had remained the foundation of peace, brotherhood, and political balance in the area.
They warned against abandoning a formula that had consistently reduced conflict and promoted inclusiveness.
“We don’t throw away a winning team,” one stakeholder stated, insisting that “what has worked for us and brought peace should not be toyed with.”
A female stakeholder, Agnes Atsu, also called for greater inclusion of women in politics, lamenting that no woman had ever successfully represented Obudu in the State House of Assembly.
Responding to the concerns raised, Governor Otu acknowledged the legitimacy of the zoning arrangement and described himself as “a product of zoning,” but maintained that broader state interests sometimes require difficult political compromises.
According to him, retaining Agabi was necessary to sustain Obudu’s current strategic advantage within government, particularly considering his position as Deputy Speaker and his working relationship with the executive arm.
“It would be very absurd that in Obudu we don’t have a principal officer in government,” the governor said, recalling that Agabi was elevated to the position despite not being a ranking legislator because “the exigency of season and time necessitated that.”
He further commended the present Assembly leadership for supporting the speedy passage of executive and people-oriented bills without friction.
Governor Otu also used the occasion to unveil broader developmental plans for Obudu, describing the area as a major economic and tourism hub in Cross River State.
He disclosed that the administration was partnering with investors to reposition the Obudu Airport and strengthen infrastructure around the Obudu Mountain Resort.
Appealing for patience and understanding from aggrieved blocs and aspirants, the governor assured stakeholders that the temporary adjustment would not destroy the unity of Obudu or permanently undermine zoning.
“Political offices are transient,” he said. “But if there’s something we have to do to situate our state very well, I think we should just try.”
He concluded with an appeal for peace, unity, and accommodation, assuring all interests that future political opportunities and compensation would still emerge in due course.