By Ovat Lawrence
In a strategic move to consolidate the ongoing developmental strides of the Governor Bassey Edet Otu led administration and to strengthen grassroots support ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, KSM, has officially unveiled a socio-political platform known as the “UJIBHADA Progressives Movement for Prince Otu 2027.”
The occasion also featured the inauguration of ward and chapter coordinators across the state, who are charged with coordinating the activities of the movement at the ward, local government and state level, as part of early grassroots mobilization efforts aimed at ensuring a seamless re-election bid for His Excellency, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, in 2027.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, who is the Director – General of the Ujibhada Progressives Movement stated that the movement is committed to mobilizing broad-based support to secure a convincing victory for the Gov. Otu in 2027, thereby guaranteeing continuity of his people-oriented policies and programmes.
Ebokpo who was represented by the Deputy Director-General, Hon. Solomon Ekam, further explained that the term “UJIBHADA” symbolizes total prosperity and good fortune, reflecting the positive impact and developmental gains already being recorded under the Otu-led administration and underscoring the need for sustained leadership.
Providing an overview of the movement’s structure, the Director of special Duties of Ujibhada group,Dr. Cletus Omono, JP, noted that the UJIBHADA Progressives Movement is a duly registered political support group with a statewide spread, boasting 18 coordinators across the eighteen Local Government Areas of Cross River State.
In his keynote address, former Council Chairman, Dr. Bassey Eric Tom charged members and supporters to remain steadfast and united, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, discipline, and strategic engagement in building a formidable support base for their preferred candidate ahead of 2027.
Also speaking at the event, an elder statesman and seasoned politician, High Chief Julius Mbina expressed delight at being part of the Movement. He highlighted Obubra Local Government Area’s voting strength ranking high in the state, and stressed the need to effectively harness this electoral advantage to attract meaningful development to the area.
Other goodwill messages were delivered by stakeholders, including Mrs. Charity Orokwu, as the event attracted a wide array of politicians, party faithful, and stakeholders from across the state who converged to demonstrate solidarity and support for the Movement.
High point of the event was the presentation of an Award of Excellent Performance to Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo by Mr. Ekawo Cyprian Awah, Director-General of AJEMO (Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo Movement). Presenting the award on behalf of the group, he noted that the recognition was in appreciation of the Commissioner’s remarkable achievements within a short period in office and urged him to sustain his commitment to the development of the host community and the state at large.
