By Beatrice Akpala
The Obong of Calabar and Grand Patriarch of the Efik Kingdom, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, has lauded the painstaking efforts and rare determination of His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, to bring back the lost glory of Cross River State and effectively launch it back into a flourishing economy and industrial investments.
The very highly revered traditional ruler and symbol of authority, maintained that with His Excellency’s hardwork and dedication, it is crystal clear that the State is on its way to all round prosperity.
On the recent reclamation of the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort from the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), he noted that as an individual who represents the respected traditional institution and vested with natural authority, he is not always keen in delving into the performance of political leaders, but equally expressed delight at the great efforts that resulted in the return of the Resort back to the Cross River State Government.
On the way forward to fully maximize the full potential of the Resort, the Obong of Calabar suggested a Rethinking, Remodelling and Reformation of the whole processes that culminated in setting up the resort in 2007.
On recommendations to set the economic edifice on a sound footing, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V maintained that investors should be brought in to beef up its activities while the policies setting up the Export Processing Zone (EPZ), should also be strengthened.
On the reclamation of the 76 oil wells and the overall performance of His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu in office since he assumed the mantle of leadership, the treaty king said that everything is clear for everyone to see and objectively assess the success rate of the Bassey Otu’s led administration in Cross River State.
He noted with pleasure that as a distinguished son of his own native land, the Governor has proven his critics wrong and his supporters right by demonstrating the fear of God and the even distribution of amenities across the State. He expressed confidence in the Governor’s ability to continue to embark on policy reforms that are critical to the people’s welfare and the future prospects of the State.
The Grand Patriarch of the Efik Nation also drew attention to the political wranglings in other States, adding that Governor Bassey Otu has maintained a firm commitment to avoiding any form of political squabbles either with his opponents or within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He finally urged all Cross Riverians to continue to support the efforts of the present administration in order to bring about a truly egalitarian society where peace and harmony are the order of the day.
