CALABAR – Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to democratic governance, declaring that democracy derives its strength and legitimacy from the people.
The governor made the assertion on Friday during the 2026 Democracy Day Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service held at the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity in Calabar, where he urged citizens to actively participate in governance and contribute to the development of the state.
Represented by Deputy Governor Peter Odey, Otu described Democracy Day as a reminder that political power ultimately resides with the people and must be exercised for their collective benefit.
Reflecting on the significance of June 12 in Nigeria’s democratic history, the governor said the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election remains a defining moment in the nation’s struggle for democratic rule.
According to him, patriotic Nigerians demonstrated remarkable courage and determination in their quest to entrench democratic governance after years of military administration.
“Though their voices were abruptly muted and gagged once again by the military, the echo of their voices resonated within and in distant climes; hence June 12 remains a day never to be forgotten in the Nigerian polity,” he said.
The governor noted that the resilience of Nigerians eventually led to the restoration of democratic rule through the 1999 general elections and has sustained uninterrupted democratic governance for 27 years.
He stated that his administration’s “People First” agenda is anchored on the principles and values of democracy, emphasizing that government policies and programmes are designed to improve the welfare of Cross Riverians.
“When we construct and maintain roads, we are not merely providing infrastructure for aesthetics; we are creating opportunities for our people to pursue their daily economic activities without hindrance.
“When we cultivate crops at scale, including cocoa, oil palm, coffee, cassava and rice, we are not only pursuing food security but also creating limitless opportunities in agribusiness,” the governor stated.
He added that ongoing investments in electricity, healthcare, education and enterprise development were aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding opportunities for citizens across the state.
The governor also cited the recent presentation of his administration’s three-year scorecard as evidence of transparency, accountability and responsible governance.
Reaffirming his commitment to democratic ideals, Otu said his government would continue to uphold inclusivity, social justice, equity, liberty, accountability and the rule of law.
He called on residents to embrace the state government’s “Think Cross River” initiative, stressing that meaningful and sustainable development can only be achieved through collective responsibility and active citizen participation.
The deputy governor also appealed to the Church to continue praying for the government, noting that leadership requires divine wisdom and guidance.
Delivering the sermon, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Calabar, Nneoye Egbe, emphasized the importance of gratitude, describing thanksgiving as a catalyst for divine favour and progress.
Preaching from 2 Chronicles 31:1–7, James 4:13–5:6 and Hebrews 12:28, the cleric urged Christians to remain grateful for their lives, opportunities and accomplishments.
He commended the Otu administration for what he described as numerous completed, ongoing and newly awarded projects across the state, adding that the governor’s performance reflects positively on Christian leadership in public service.
The bishop also expressed concern over insecurity in parts of the country and announced the commencement of a three-day national mourning period declared by the Christian Association of Nigeria.
He further called on public office holders to promote accountability through the publication of annual performance reports, while urging workers to demonstrate gratitude through honesty, diligence and efficient service delivery.
The thanksgiving service attracted government officials, political leaders, members of the clergy and worshippers from across the state.
