Governor Otu Rallies Elders to Restore Cross River's Oil-Producing Status
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has delivered a powerful address, rallying elders and critical stakeholders to unite behind his administration's quest to restore justice and reclaim the state's status among oil-producing states in the Niger Delta. Speaking at a high-powered gathering in Calabar over the weekend, Otu described his speech as a "State of the Union" address, emphasizing his commitment to righting the wrongs caused by the state's malicious deletion from the oil-producing bloc.
Call for Unity and Justice
Governor Otu thanked leaders for their steadfast support while appealing for patience as the government works to "get the state out of the woods." He struck a reflective tone, declaring, "I stand before you today, humbled by the weight of history and the responsibilities that lie ahead." Otu likened Cross River to the legendary Phoenix, rising from the ashes to reclaim its rightful place, and addressed concerns about waning faith and opposition, insisting his administration would remain resolute.
Quoting wartime rhetoric, he asserted, "We shall fight... we shall never surrender, not because we won't, but because the people will not allow it." The governor highlighted strides made under his leadership, including strengthening infrastructure, repositioning agriculture, refining education, boosting tourism, and deepening social welfare, while maintaining top-notch security.
Addressing the Oil Well Dispute
On the lingering oil well dispute with Akwa Ibom State, Otu assured attendees that the struggle continues and they shall prevail. He emphasized that the moment calls for collective resolve, not self-congratulation, stating, "I have not come here to boast, but to enlist your support, your prayers, and your unity for strength and success." Otu added a philosophical note, saying he is "in alignment with Heaven and holding Heaven accountable to complete what it has started."
Calling for unity across political divides, he urged leaders to rise above differences, invoking classical wisdom: "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts." He stressed that unity among leaders remains the first pillar of enduring governance and acknowledged the contributions of past administrations, noting, "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants like you."
Challenges and Resolve
Governor Otu warned against forces seeking to redefine Cross River's destiny by weakening collective resolve, cautioning that disunity could undermine the state's aspirations. He charged, "We must rise up and seek justice through truth," adding that "we cannot cuddle injustice disguised as diplomacy or technicality." On the contentious oil well dispute, Otu maintained that Cross River's exclusion was based on flawed premises, insisting the state retains a valid littoral status tied to the Calabar estuary and should benefit from offshore resources along the Nigerian-Cameroon maritime boundary.
He argued that modern hydrographic mapping and inter-agency reviews have affirmed Cross River's position, stating, "Nature does not lie. Seaward coastlines speak. Oil is not stagnant." Otu expressed confidence that ongoing engagements would yield a favorable outcome, particularly in line with the justice-driven ethos of the current federal administration.
Stirring Conclusion
In a stirring conclusion, Governor Otu urged stakeholders to close ranks in the interest of the state. He asked, "We must be strong, brave, devoted, patriotic, and united enough to protect Cross Riverians. If we don't, who will? If not now, when?" Otu emphasized that history would judge leaders by their ability to rise above division and defend the collective welfare of the people.
The event drew an array of prominent figures, including former governors Donald Duke and Pam Ogar, alongside former and serving lawmakers, ex-deputy governors, and the current deputy governor, Peter Odey. This gathering underscores the critical importance of unity and justice in restoring Cross River's rightful place among Nigeria's oil-producing states.
