CALABAR –The Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSCF) has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu for the strategic nomination of two distinguished Cross Riverians—Ambassador Sony Abang and Hon. Larry Odey—into the newly established South-South Development Commission (SSDC). The Forum described the nominations as a bold testament to inclusive governance, balanced political representation, and renewed national integration NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Hon. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, Esq., and fourteen others the Forum noted that the appointments signify more than mere political patronage. Rather, they reflect a broader national commitment to sustainable regional development and equitable participation of states like Cross River in federal initiatives.
“These nominations are not only a reflection of Cross River’s strategic importance in the South-South region but also an endorsement of the rich pool of talent and experience the state has to offer,” Ekpo stated. “Both Ambassador Abang and Hon. Odey are seasoned technocrats with distinguished careers in public finance and governance, and their elevation to these key roles is a masterstroke in leadership selection.”
The Forum praised President Tinubu for demonstrating political foresight and fairness in the composition of development commissions across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. This week, the President formally wrote to the Senate, requesting confirmation of nominees to three new regional development bodies—South West, North Central, and South-South.
In the SSDC list, Chibudom Nwuche was nominated as Chairman, and Usoro Offiong Akpabio as Managing Director. Cross River’s nominees, Amb. Sony Abang (Executive Director, Finance) and Hon. Larry Odey (Commissioner), are among the eighteen appointees submitted for legislative screening.
According to Ekpo, the nominations also mirror Governor Otu’s efforts to ensure fair federal representation across Cross River’s senatorial districts. “Governor Otu’s leadership is quietly but effectively ensuring that all sections of the state feel seen and included. His role in securing these nominations cannot be overlooked,” the Forum stated.
Beyond politics, the Forum emphasized the developmental potential of the SSDC and the opportunity it provides to address long-standing challenges affecting the region—ranging from infrastructural decay to environmental degradation and economic marginalization.
“We are hopeful that this Commission will take a bold and fresh approach to addressing the South-South’s unique developmental challenges. Cross River is ready to play its part, and we are confident our nominees will offer sound leadership and accountability in line with the Commission’s mandate,” Ekpo said.
The Forum also connected the nominations to the theme of national cohesion, noting that President Tinubu’s inclusive approach sends a strong signal that development and federal opportunities are not exclusive preserves of any region or political bloc.
“As a state with both historical and contemporary relevance in Nigeria’s national story, Cross River appreciates this renewed attention from the federal centre. It reaffirms our place in the Nigerian federation and assures citizens that their voices are not ignored,” the statement added.
The CRSCF urged the Senate to expedite the confirmation process for all nominees and pledged its full support for the SSDC’s objectives. “This is a defining moment for the South-South region, and we urge the National Assembly to prioritize these nominations so that the Commission can begin its work without delay.”
The statement was signed by Ekpo alongside other Forum members, including Sir Maurice Effiwatt, Prof. Emmanuel Eyo, Apostle James Anam, Hon. Ada Charles Egwu, Prof. Offiong E. Offiong, among nine others.
