Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has promised additional welfare packages and skill acquisition empowerment for staff of the Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA), particularly street sweepers, to make them self-reliant. The governor made this pledge on Wednesday at an endorsement rally organized by CUDA Executive Secretary, Dr. Effiong Ayi, to express support for Governor Otu's re-election bid and the 2027 presidential candidacy of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Bola Tinubu.
Commitment to Clean Environment
Governor Otu, represented by his Special Adviser on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, emphasized that his administration remains dedicated to the welfare of those ensuring a cleaner city and secure environment. "My administration is determined to enhance the welfare of street sweepers and others in recognition of their dedication to a clean, green, and healthy environment in Cross River State," Otu stated.
He noted that the support is imperative given their strong performance at state and national levels, stressing that re-electing Governor Otu and President Tinubu would raise the bar for environmental commitment and economic growth through the sector. Otu recalled that the wife of the state governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, successfully cleared 11 months of unpaid stipends owed to 1,234 women sweepers of CUDA across the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts. She also distributed 170 Point of Sale (POS) machines, an initiative described as a demonstration of commitment and recognition for their dedication to keeping Cross River State's streets clean and green.
Endorsement and Achievements
The Executive Secretary of CUDA, Dr. Effiong Ayi, stated that direct labor efforts reunited 12 mentally deranged persons with their families and rehabilitated over 80 others. He said nearly 30 streets have been attended to, with 2,000 sweepers and 1,000 refuse evaluators on the payroll. A motion endorsing Otu was moved by Ayi and seconded by Director Cobham.
"If not for the timely intervention of your government, many lives would have been lost in the state. We thank you for the efforts all geared toward the well-being of the people," Ayi said. He added that there is hardly a better opportunity for the sweepers to express appreciation to their exceptional leaders, Senator Bassey Otu and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, than through this demonstration of overwhelming support for their 2027 ambition.
"Since one good turn deserves another, it is only worthwhile that CUDA has mobilized its personnel in hundreds and thousands for APC's victory in the 2027 elections," Ayi continued. He noted that as an emerging mega city, Cross River State needed to solve the challenge of solid waste management, and the Otu administration has confronted it frontally. Through successive stages, CUDA has evolved over time, wading through challenges but ultimately leaving the environment and cityscape better for it.
Improvements Under Otu
Ayi listed improvements under Otu, including restored traffic lights, desilted drainages, cleared street urchins, and rehabilitated infrastructure. He noted that refuse evacuation remains laborious but is government-funded, adding that CUDA employs over 3,000 staff, including 1,000 sweepers and waste evacuators, all registered voters expected to turn out en masse in 2027. The Executive Secretary stated that CUDA is collaborating with Ikom, Ugep, and Obudu Urban Development Authorities to ensure Otu's return.
Ayi dismissed criticism of drainage cleaning, arguing that debris naturally washes in during rains. He added that only a witch would oppose Otu's re-election, citing the rehabilitation of Adiabo Road as proof of performance. The Executive Secretary stated that direct labor efforts reunited 12 mentally deranged persons with families and rehabilitated over 80 others. He said nearly 30 streets have been attended to, with 2,000 sweepers and 1,000 refuse evaluators on payroll, before moving a motion endorsing Otu, seconded by Director Cobham.
Ayi urged everyone to vote massively for all APC candidates throughout the country to galvanize development across the nation. "On this note, the executive resolved we are openly endorsing you for a second term, and we are presenting this letter to you as a symbol of our endorsement," he stated.
Support from Officials
Director of Open Space Akabom described Otu as a result-oriented leader who is very passionate about the welfare of the people, while the Taskforce Chairman said even the heavens are in support of him. Female sweepers thanked Otu for a salary increase and declared they are solidly behind Otu in 2027. Otu listed broader achievements including the Zoo Garden forest converted to a tourist site, Tinapa now accessible, revival of the State Library Complex, and ongoing work on the Bakassi Deep Seaport and Presidential Lodge in Ogoja.
They urged APC faithful to back Otu and Tinubu to enable them complete projects like the Calabar-Lagos Coastal Highway, warning against being tempted by the devil as in past administrations.
