Governor Otu, Others Felicitates Ex-Governor Duke At 64th Birthday

By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent

Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, the Senator representing Cross River South District in the 10th National Assembly, Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr, and the Special Adviser, Public Affairs to the Governor, Nsa Gill, has felicitated former Governor Donald Duke on his 64th birthday.

The Governor described him as a statesman of rare distinction whose legacy continues to inspire the state and the nation.

In a statement conveyed through his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Linus Obogo, Governor Otu extolled Duke as a leader whose name sparkles in the annals of Cross River’s political history. He noted that his tenure as governor remains a shining testament to courage, compassion and progress.

According to Governor Otu, “Former Governor Duke’s time in office was not merely about governance but a renaissance of vision, service and passion. It was a season when hope blossomed, and Cross River’s pride was rekindled. His leadership lit a path that continues to guide our collective aspirations.”

The Governor stressed that Duke’s legacy is not measured only in physical structures or projects, but in the intangible yet enduring values he championed, innovation, creativity, and a bold belief in the ability of Cross River to lead where others hesitated. These, he said, remain living testaments to the power of vision-driven leadership.

He recalled that the Duke years saw Cross River reimagined as a hub of culture, tourism, and enterprise, where the Carnival Calabar gained global acclaim and the state became a reference point for creative governance. “Those were years when Cross River’s name was etched on the national and international map in colours too bold to fade,” Otu remarked.

Otu added that the former governor’s contributions went beyond infrastructure, capturing the very soul of the people through policies that touched lives, ignited dreams and rekindled faith in the boundless possibilities of purposeful leadership. “Such footprints,” he declared, “cannot be erased from the sands of time.”

Otu further observed that even beyond office, Duke has remained a beacon of wisdom, radiating the qualities of an elder statesman whose words carry weight and whose life is a wellspring of inspiration for the younger generation. His enduring relevance, Otu said, speaks to a life anchored on service and vision.

“As you celebrate sixty-four glorious years, I rejoice in your new chapter as a statesman and fountain of inspiration,” Governor Otu said, while praying that God grants him renewed strength, abiding joy and enduring fulfilment in the years ahead.s

“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Cross River State, I heartily felicitate you, Your Excellency, and wish you a happy 64th birthday. May your light never dim, and may your days be crowned with peace, laughter and divine favour.”