By CrossRiverWatch Admin
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has described the defection of his Akwa Ibom counterpart, Umo Eno, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a historic and unifying moment for the South-South geopolitical zone and a major boost for the ruling party.
Speaking with journalists upon his return from the historic event held at the Government House Banquet Hall in Uyo, Governor Otu expressed joy over the development, calling it a “great day” for both Cross River and the entire South-South.
Governor Otu, who is the Vice Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, recalled an APC South-South meeting hosted in Calabar last year, where he had advocated for a shift in the region’s political landscape.
“At the time, I was the only APC governor in the zone, and I felt like an orphan,” Governor Otu said, referencing the absence of other APC governors in the South-South. “We had not yet won Edo or Delta State, and Akwa Ibom was not on board. But like I prophesized that day, something was going to happen and it has.”
He described Governor Eno’s move to the APC as “a welcome development” for the progressive political family, noting that Cross River and Akwa Ibom, once a single state, should naturally move in the same direction for regional development and harmony.
“With both of us now in alignment, alongside our APC sister states in the South-South, the region is better positioned to support the bold reforms and strategic direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Otu said.
Governor Otu praised President Tinubu’s leadership, citing strides in fiscal responsibility, infrastructure development, and economic reform. “Gone are the years of freeloading,” he declared. “The indices show we are experiencing real growth, even amid global economic challenges.”
When asked about the remaining PDP governor in the region – Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Otu responded with optimism and camaraderie. “Governor Diri is my chairman in the South-South Governors’ Forum. I don’t think he would want to stand alone,” he said. “Like I always say, ‘follow who know road.’ He is a fine gentleman, and I believe he will make the right choice.”
On integrating new members into the APC, Governor Otu emphasized the party’s inclusive culture. “In APC, once you receive your membership card and broom, you have full rights. There will be no rancor, just like it happened in Delta,” he assured. “This will bring unity, not just in Akwa Ibom APC, but across the region.”
He reaffirms belief that the South-South is now more united than ever under the APC banner. “We are all in the same boat now. We’re no longer speaking different political languages. APC is the way forward.”
Since You Are Here, Support Good JournalismCrossRiverWatch was founded on the ideals of deploying tech tools to report in an ethical manner, news, views and analysis with a narrative that ensures transparency in governance, a good society and an accountable democracy. Everyone appreciates good journalism but it costs a lot of money. Nonetheless, it cannot be sacrificed on the altar of news commercialization. Consider making a modest contribution to support CrossRiverWatch's journalism of credibility and integrity in order to ensure that all have continuous free access to our noble endeavor. CLICK HERE |
New Feature: Don't miss any of our news again.Get all our articles in your facebook chat box.Click the Facebook Messenger Icon below to subscribe now
Text Advert by CRWatch :Place Yours
Will You To Learn How To Make Millions Of Naira Making Special Creams From Your Kitchen?.Click Here
Expose Your Business And Make More Sales. Advertise On CrossRiverWatch.com Today
Leave feedback about this