By Asuquo Cletus
A pro-government group in Cross River State, the Grassroots Initiative for Otu/Odey, has endorsed Governor Bassey Otu and his deputy, Peter Odey, for a second term in office.
The group, however, called for the exclusion of opposition parties from the re-election process.
The announcement was made on Thursday during a press conference at the NUJ Press Centre, Calabar, by the Director-General of the initiative, Awade Friday.
Addressing journalists, Friday described the movement as a “people-centered campaign born out of extensive consultation, deep reflection, and a shared commitment to progressive leadership that prioritizes the welfare of Cross River citizens.”
He emphasized that the push for the continuity of the Otu/Odey administration is based on their performance and loyalty to the state.
“Our insistence on a continuous government is not by chance,” Friday said.
“It is grounded in proven performance and tested loyalty to the people. The deputy governor, Peter Odey, has consistently demonstrated himself as a dependable and steadfast partner to the governor. Their leadership has delivered measurable progress and strengthened governance across the state.”
The group highlighted several achievements under the Otu/Odey administration, including the recovery of the Tinapa Business Resort from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) after 14 years. They also cited investments in road infrastructure, rural development, agricultural revitalization, and public safety.
Friday added that Cross River State has become one of the safest states in the country under the current administration.
The initiative also commended Governor Otu for recent national recognitions, including being named Silver Bird Man of the Year and Sun Newspaper’s Governor of the Year, describing the awards as evidence of his leadership impact.
While insisting that the endorsement was non-partisan, Friday stated that no opposition candidate or party should contest the re-election. “For the first time in Nigeria’s history, citizens and opposition parties in Cross River State are united on a single purpose — to return Governor Otu and Deputy Governor Odey for a second term without any reservation,” he said.
He called on political parties, traditional institutions, youth groups, women’s organizations, and citizens of goodwill to support the consensus. “Unity in purpose brings strength. Consensus in leadership brings progress. Collective support brings prosperity,” he added.
The group also urged citizens to engage in politics responsibly, warning against using elections as a platform for hatred or revenge.
