Akahi News learnt that Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu, at the weekend delivered what he described as a “State of the Union” address, rallying elders and critical stakeholders to unite behind his administration’s quest to restore justice and reclaim the state’s status among oil-producing states in the Niger Delta.
Addressing a high-powered gathering in Calabar, the governor said his administration was committed to “righting the wrongs and injustice occasioned by the malicious deletion” of the state from the oil-producing bloc. He assured that ongoing efforts would ultimately return Cross River to its rightful position.
He thanked the leaders for their steadfast support while appealing for patience as government works to “get the state out of the woods.” But patience, in a state that has watched oil billions flow to neighbours for years, is a difficult commodity to sell.
Former governors, top leaders answer the call
Akahi News gathered that the event drew an array of prominent figures including former governors Donald Duke and Pam Ogar, alongside former and serving lawmakers, ex-deputy governors and the current deputy governor, Peter Odey. That is not a small gathering. That is a statement of political weight.
Speaking on the theme: “Justice and Welfare Through Strength and Unity,” Otu struck a reflective tone. “I stand before you today, humbled by the weight of history and the responsibilities that lie ahead,” he declared, adding that Cross River, “like the legendary Phoenix, has risen from the ashes time and again to reclaim its rightful place.”
He acknowledged prevailing concerns among some leaders, noting “whispers of withering faith and echoes of opposition for opposition’s sake.” But he insisted his administration would remain resolute. Quoting wartime rhetoric, he declared: “We shall fight… we shall never surrender, not because we won’t, but because the people will not allow it.”
Bold steps taken, but no room for boasting
The governor pointed to strides made under his leadership. “We have taken bold steps in strengthening our infrastructure, repositioning agriculture, refining education, boosting tourism and deepening social welfare, while our security remains top notch.” On the lingering oil well dispute, he assured: “Our struggle continues, and I assure you, we shall prevail.”
Governor Otu, however, emphasised that the moment called not for self-congratulation but for collective resolve. “I have not come here to boast,” he said, “but to enlist your support, your prayers and your unity for strength and success.” He added, in a philosophical note, that he was “in alignment with Heaven and holding Heaven accountable to complete what it has started.”
Calling for unity across political divides, he urged leaders to rise above differences, invoking classical wisdom: “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” He stressed that unity among leaders remains “the first pillar of enduring governance.” He acknowledged the contributions of past administrations, noting: “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants like you.”
Warning against forces of disunity
The governor warned against forces he described as seeking to “redefine our destiny by weakening our collective resolve,” cautioning that disunity could undermine the state’s aspirations. “We must rise up and seek justice through truth,” he charged, adding that “we cannot cuddle injustice disguised as diplomacy or technicality.”
Akahi News had earlier reported that Cross River’s exclusion from oil-producing status has been a festering wound for decades. On that contentious dispute with Akwa Ibom State, Otu maintained that Cross River’s exclusion was based on flawed premises. “We came up to say no,” he declared, insisting that the state retains a valid littoral status tied to the Calabar estuary and should benefit from offshore resources along the Nigerian-Cameroon maritime boundary.
He further argued that modern hydrographic mapping and inter-agency reviews have affirmed Cross River’s position. “Nature does not lie. Seaward coastlines speak. Oil is not stagnant,” he said, expressing confidence that ongoing engagements would yield a favourable outcome, particularly in line with the justice-driven ethos of the current federal administration.
A stirring conclusion: If not us, who? If not now, when?
In a stirring conclusion, the governor urged stakeholders to close ranks in the interest of the state. “We must be strong, brave, devoted, patriotic and united enough to protect Cross Riverians. If we don’t, who will? If not now, when?” he asked.
He added that history would judge leaders by their ability to rise above division and defend the collective welfare of the people.
Here is the question every Cross Riverian must now ask: Will the elders answer this charge with action, or will the oil wells continue to flow past their borders while politicians speak? Words are good. But oil revenue is better. The Phoenix must rise. But it cannot rise on speeches alone.
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Fact summary box:
– Governor: Senator Bassey Otu, Cross River State
– Event: “State of the Union” address to elders and stakeholders
– Theme: Justice and Welfare Through Strength and Unity
– Key demand: Reclaim Cross River’s status among oil-producing states
– Present leaders: Former governors Donald Duke and Pam Ogar, Deputy Governor Peter Odey, others
– Disputed issue: Oil well status with Akwa Ibom State; Cross River’s littoral claim via Calabar estuary
– Governor’s argument: Modern hydrographic mapping affirms Cross River’s position
– Warning: Disunity undermines state aspirations
– Closing rallying cry: “If we don’t, who will? If not now, when?”
– Overall tone: Reflective, determined, justice-driven