On May 29, 2023, His Excellency, Ntufam Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the one mostly referred by all as the Sweet Prince, took the oath of office as the Governor of Cross River State.
His agenda centers on the people, christened “The People’s First Mantra”. This highlights his passionate disposition to see Cross Riverians carried along throughout the duration of his administration/governance.
Within 365 days of becoming the governor, he has facilitated many grants/aids through the Ministry of Health to improve the healthcare system, fixed 90% of the dilapidated roads network within the metropolis, provided clean, treated and affordable pipe borne water, ensured the street lights in the metropolis are functional, modernized traffic control systems by provision of traffic lights and bus stops at key junctions within the state capital, ongoing renovation of the state library complex, restructuring of the state civil service, improved security architecture thereby enhancing economic growth and boasting investors confidence in the state. Additionally he had midwifed innovative economic and developmental policies aimed at improving the welfare of Cross Riverians in general thus justifying his alias “Sweet Prince”.
Our dearest Sweet Prince is making concerted efforts to see to the completion of the Calabar-Itu highway by ensuring a speedy compensation process for those whose properties lay prostrate on the land upon which the dual carriage is built.
The People’s First Governor is working round the clock to ensure the commencement of drilling of crude in Cross River state, aside this, he has sustained the ongoing work in the Obudu Cargo Airport, ordered the maintenance of the Bebi Airstrip, as well as the total renovation of the Obudu Cattle Ranch.
He has successfully secured a partnership for the deep seaport project.
Our dearest governor within a year has ensured the upgrade of sporting facilities in the state and renovation of U. J. Esuene Sports Stadium, reviewed and improved remuneration of the state football team (Rovers).
Agriculture had always been an inevitable stratum of the economy of the Country. Cross River state is blessed with fertile lands, and has aligned herself to the Agricultural revolution in the Country. His Excellency, Prince Bassey Otu (Sweet Prince) has recently Flagged off the Development of 12,000 Hectares of Land in Odukpani LGA for agricultural purposes.
Suffice to say, as an astute administrator who rewards excellence in service and with total commitment to the welfare of civil servants, the state minimum wage was raised from the paltry N18,000 to N40,000 with possibilities for upward review, with further plans to clear the backlog of pensioners gratuity arrears in the State (Season of Sweetness).
Ntufam Senator Prince Otu is indeed the man of the people and for the people. He is leading the State in good conscience and the fear of God, HE has good listening ears, unites people across the political divide and allows constructive criticisms unabated as these are the major fabrics that nurture democracy and thus enhance development.
Our destiny helper, as you mark one year in office, I pray for God’s grace upon you and our Beautiful First Lady/mother, Eyoanwan. I pray for more wisdom so whatever you do, will continually be for the benefit of our people and the growth of the State. I pray for good health and long life.
Please join me and say a happy One Year Anniversary in office to our Sweet Prince.
Esther Akiba is a postgraduate student at the Department of Philosophy, University of Calabar.
