CALABAR –The Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSCF) has described the nomination of two of its indigenes into the newly constituted South-South Development Commission (SSDC) as a milestone for regional development.
In a statement signed by Hon. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, Esq., Chairman of the Forum, and fourteen other members, the body commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the appointments of Ambassador Sony Abang as Executive Director (Finance) and Hon. Larry Odey as Commissioner, representing Cross River State.
“These appointments are timely and strategic. They provide an opportunity for Cross River to contribute significantly to the development blueprint of the South-South region,” the Forum said.
The CRSCF also applauded Governor Bassey Otu for advocating equitable federal appointments across the state’s three senatorial zones, noting that the move reaffirms the governor’s commitment to fair representation and inclusive growth.
The commendation comes on the heels of President Tinubu’s letter to the National Assembly requesting confirmation of nominees for the three regional development commissions recently established—North Central, South West, and South South. The SSDC list features eighteen appointees, with Chibudom Nwuche as Chairman and Usoro Offiong Akpabio as Managing Director.
“The SSDC is crucial to addressing longstanding development gaps in the region, especially in infrastructure, human capital, and ecological recovery. We are confident that with the combined expertise of Amb. Abang and Hon. Odey, Cross River’s voice and interests will be well-represented,” the statement added.
The Forum urged the Senate to fast-track the confirmation process to ensure the Commission can commence full operations and deliver tangible benefits to the region’s people.
