PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
25th September, 2025
GOVERNOR OTU REMAINS A JUST AND INCLUSIVE LEADER; LET US TRUST THE PROCESS FOR A GREATER CALABAR MUNICIPALITY
The attention of my office has been drawn to the peaceful protest staged by some esteemed sons and daughters of our beloved Ikot Ishie community regarding the recent transition in leadership at the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
First and foremost, I wish to acknowledge their passion and deep love for our community. The demonstration of concern for the welfare of our land is the very spirit that makes Ikot Ishie great. I have personally engaged with the organizers, and we have had fruitful discussions. Their grievances were heard not as a challenge, but as the voice of a community I am privileged to represent.
However, it is crucial to place this event in its proper context for the sake of our collective progress.
To suggest that Ikot Ishie has been sidelined in the administration of His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, is a narrative that does not align with the evident facts. Our community remains a proud and integral part of the Southern Senatorial District and Cross River State at large. This is demonstrated by the Governor’s inclusive appointments, which include:
1. Chief Victor-Felix Idem, an illustrious son of Ikot Ishie, who holds the strategic portfolio of Commissioner for Local Government Affairs.
2. Dr. (Elder) Esu Effiong Esu, our respected son, who was deemed competent and worthy to be appointed and served as Chairman of SUBEB.
3. My humble self, Hon. Stanley Nsemo, representing Calabar Municipality at the Cross River State House of Assembly.
Furthermore, we must not forget that an Ikot Ishie daughter currently sits as a Federal Commissioner in the Federal Civil Service Commission, a position of immense national significance.
These appointments are not mere tokens; they are testaments to the confidence Governor Otu has in the competence of our people. The decision to redeploy our son from SUBEB is an administrative prerogative exercised by the Governor, who has the holistic picture of the state’s needs. It is not an act of victimization.
Let us also remember the historic support Ward 6, Ikot Ishie, gave to Governor Otu during the 2023 elections—the highest in the state. This support was based on trust in his “People First” agenda. That trust was not misplaced then, and it should not be abandoned now. Governance is a continuous process, and sometimes, strategic changes are made for the overall benefit of the state.
I urge every one of us to see beyond a single appointment. The administration of Governor Otu is laying a foundation for sustainable development, and Ikot Ishie is primed to benefit significantly. Better things are indeed coming. Let us not allow a momentary feeling to cloud the greater future that is being built for us.
In the spirit of our forefathers, let us be wise and patient. As our ancient proverb goes, “eyen ikot ishie isi yamke idiok udua” (the child of Ikot Ishie does not sell a bad market). We achieve more through unity, strategic thinking, and collective action than through public dissent.
I assure you all that I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the interests of Ikot Ishie and the entire Calabar Municipality are robustly represented and protected.
Let us keep faith with our Governor and our government.
Hon. Stanley Nsemo
Member,
Cross River State House of Assembly,
Calabar Municipality Constituency.
