The Obong of Calabar and Grand Patriarch of the Efik Eburutu Kingdom, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his vice Kashim Shettima, on their swearing-in and assumption of office as president and vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In the same vein, the Obong of Calabar on behalf of the Efik Kingdom also extended hearty congratulations to one of their sons and now governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu on his swearing-in and assumption of office as the number one citizen of Cross River State.
The Obong’s message of congratulations was contained in a letter signed by the Chairman, Etuboms’ Traditional Council, HRH Etubom Bassey Duke, noting that President Tinubu’s political trajectory since the return of democracy in 1999, where he was elected governor of Lagos for a two-term of eight years, to his selection as leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the country speaks volumes of his capacity and political experience.
The Efik Monarch, explained that Tinubu’s achievements in Lagos “are well garnished with positivity, devoid of sectional interest, but geared towards national cohesion and unity,” describing such qualities as “necessities and requirements for the present Nigeria.”
“It is on this premise that Nigerians, irrespective of geographical divide, gave you the overwhelming mandate on the 25th February, 2023, to preside over their affairs for the next four years, in order to reposition all facets of our national lives for the good and betterment of all and sundry.
“The Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V and Etubons’ Traditional Council, hereby, offer this message of congratulations to you and the Vice President, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, on your assumption of office with prayer for God’s protection and guidance; and assurances of our utmost support and cooperation. Once again, Mr. President, congratulations,” the royal congratulatory message read.
Conveying the Palace’s congratulations in a letter dated 30th May, 2023 and signed by the Chairman, Etuboms’ Traditional Council, HRH Etubom Bassey Duke, the monarch wrote: “It is the pleasure of The Obong of Calabar-in-Council to savour the grandeur of your being sworn-in as the Executive Governor of Cross River State on 29th May, 2023.
Describing Otu’s political endeavours ranging from his eight years in the House of Representatives and later to the Nigerian Senate as “embellished with impactful contributions to the upliftment of human capacities of the society,” the throne further averred that, “Interestingly, these visionary pursuits by you have endeared you to the hearts of so many Cross Rivererians, who, on March 18, 2023, decided to give you their overwhelming mandate to govern the State with the hope that you would transform it for the good and betterment of all.”
The reverred traditional stool also extended congratulatory greetings to the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, and prayed for the strength and divine direction to steer the State aright, assuring the administration of the Palace’s support and cooperation.
