By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka
Abuja
The Chairman of NBA Nyanya-Karu Branch, FCT Abuja, Alexander Ebi Edim Esq, has hailed Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State for what he described as outstanding performance since assuming office as the fourth governor since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
Edim made the remarks in Abuja while addressing critical stakeholders of Ukelle extraction at a routine stakeholders’ engagement. The meeting assessed the performance of the Otu-led administration and reviewed the general state of affairs in Cross River State.
Though he commended the governor, Edim noted that the Ukelle Nation is not happy with the handling of the Ogoja/Yala House of Representatives ticket in the APC. He regretted that the ticket should still be retained by Yala 2 if it has to be taken away from the incumbent, Hon. Godwin Offiono Esq.
Despite that concern, the NBA chairman emphasized that on a general note, Governor Otu has performed above board. He based his assessment on three key areas: security, economic stability, and infrastructure development across the state.
Edim specifically commended the governor for awarding a 5-kilometer road project in North Ukelle. He called on the governor to impress on the contractor to immediately complete the construction and appealed for an extension of the project by another 10 kilometers or more to ease the hardship Ukelle people face on that road.
He urged every adult Ukelle person to come out and vote massively for Governor Otu in the 2027 general election. “To whom much is given, much is expected,” Edim said, stressing that since the governor has acknowledged Ukelle’s pains over the long-neglected road, the people should reciprocate with votes.
The chairman called on all Ukelle stakeholders worldwide to honor the clarion call and come together irrespective of political party affiliation to support the Otu-led administration. He assured the governor of various support groups in Ukelle working towards his reelection in 2027.
Edim hinted that consultations are ongoing for a holistic solidarity and endorsement rally across party lines in Wanokom, the traditional headquarters of Ukelle. He further clarified that the endorsement has nothing to do with Ukelle’s interest in sons contesting on other party platforms, stressing that without prejudice to the governor’s endorsement, Ukelle shall vote massively for their own to produce a member for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency.
