Torrents of congratulations are streaming in following the emergence of the All Progressives Congress, APC Cross River gubernatorial candidate, Ntufam Bassey Otu as the winner of the 2023 general elections in the state NEGROIDHAVEN has confirmed.
In the list of high profile individuals who have been confirmed to send in their congratulations are former Leader of the 7th Nigerian Senate, Victor Ndoma-Egba, former senator representing Cross River Central at the 8th Senate, John Owan-Enoh, Valerie Asuquo (nee Valerie Omini) a philanthropist , former Chief of Staff to governor Ben Ayade Martin Orim, Commissioner for Women Affairs Prof Gertrude Njar, Sen. Gershom Bassey of the PDP, and the list continues.
According to Ndoma-Egba, ‘The manner of your victory clearly testifies to the fact that Cross Riverians across ethnic, religious and geographical divides have endorsed and enthroned capacity and experience as well as our party, the All Progressives Congress in Cross River State. By your election, the politics of ethnic and religious bigotry that the opposition used as the plank of their campaigns have been defeated squarely and consigned to the backwaters of our political history.’
While congratulating the governor- elect, Asuquo wished that Otu be successful in his new role, ‘Dear Governor Elect of Cross River state, Ntufam Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, please accept my sincere congratulations on your victory and my best wishes for your success as you prepare to take up the responsibilities of governing Cross River State. As you embark on your new responsibilities, I wish you success in all your endeavours. Your victory is a victory for all Cross riverians, irrespective of political affiliation. I pray that the Lord God Almighty will guide you and direct you towards the affairs of the state.’
On his part, Orim said that Otu’s victory is a true reflection of the will and confidence of the people especially in his People-First Manifesto. He demonstrated confidence in his anticipated leadership.
His words, ‘Your Excellency, the Governor-Elect, during the campaign, you took your message, encapsulated in “The People First Manifesto”, to all the nooks and crannies of our dear State. Our people bought into your brand-new vision for our State and voted massively for you. Your victory therefore is a true reflection of the true will of the people as well as their confidence in you. Our people desire a compassionate government that will promote peace, prosperity and create the enabling environment for their potentials to unfurl and flourish.’
Recall that Otu was elected during the 18th March gubernatorial elections that held across the country including Cross River. Sen. Bassey OTU/APC of polled 258,619 votes against the leading opposition candidate Sen. Sandy ONOR/PDP’s 179,636 votes to become governor.
Following his official declaration as winner of the guber poll, the state has went wild with felicitations and jubilations. Even members and sympathisers of the opposition People’s Democratic Party, PDP have had to turn in their congratulations, a development which demonstrates that Otu’s victory was authentic.
