By Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has urged the Muslim community across the state to remain vigilant against criminal elements seeking to infiltrate their ranks and create unrest.
Governor Otu made the call when he received the leadership and members of the Cross River State Hausa/Fulani and Muslim Community Support Group for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu in 2027 during a courtesy visit to his office.
The governor stressed that sustainable development can only flourish in a peaceful environment and urged members of the community to promptly report any suspicious individuals or activities to the appropriate security agencies.
Describing the visit as timely, Governor Otu said that with political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gathering momentum, members of the community should actively participate in the democratic process to ensure the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, assuring all residents of Cross River State, irrespective of tribe or religion, of equal opportunities and a sense of belonging.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Support Group, Alhaji Nasiru Baba Gombe, who also serves as the Governor’s Special Assistant on Livestock Ranching, pledged the group’s unwavering support for Governor Otu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Gombe said the group was fully committed to delivering votes for both leaders in the 2027 elections.
He disclosed plans to embark on sensitisation visits to Muslim communities across the state’s 18 local government areas to mobilise support for their re-election.
He also expressed appreciation to Governor Otu for appointing him into government and for the administration’s continued support and inclusion of the Muslim community in state affairs.
In his remarks, the Deputy Director-General of the group, Alhaji Ado Inuwa Bayaro, commended Governor Otu for his leadership and for receiving the delegation.
Bayaro appealed to the governor to sponsor more Muslims for pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah, noting that no Muslim from Cross River State benefited from government sponsorship during this year’s Hajj.