Cross River Takes the Lead as Renewed Hope Machinery Kicks Off
By Ebi COLLINS
The Cross River State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Ambassador Soni Abang, has pledged that the state will take the “driving seat” in political and grassroots mobilisation under the Renewed Hope agenda.
Ambassador Abang, who also serves as Executive Director of Finance and Administration at the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), made the pledge during the maiden meeting of the 18 Local Government Coordinators held Wednesday at the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar. He charged them to take the Renewed Hope message to every community, describing their appointments as the foundation of a structured and enduring grassroots engagement framework across the state.
He disclosed that the appointments were personally endorsed by Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and should be regarded as both an honour and a responsibility.
“This appointment came from the very highest level of our state. The governor personally made this appointment and he knows each and every one of you here today,” Abang said, noting that they were selected based on proven loyalty, competence, and leadership capacity.
According to him, the coordinators represent the pioneer class of a deliberate political structure aimed at building long-term leadership strength in Cross River State. He explained that the Renewed Hope Movement is a direct initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu designed to communicate government policies and achievements directly to Nigerians beyond conventional media channels. While the President initially suggested that governors should anchor the structure in their states, Governor Otu nominated him for the role without prior notice.
Outlining their mandate, Abang said the coordinators are expected to articulate federal policies, counter misinformation, project key achievements, and serve as a feedback channel on both federal and state projects. To support fact-based engagement, he announced the distribution of a “Major Milestones” document detailing the Tinubu administration’s achievements.
He further urged the coordinators to spotlight Governor Otu’s “People First” achievements, noting that the administration inherited over ₦250 billion in domestic debt and nearly $230 million in foreign debt, alongside salary and pension arrears. Despite these challenges, he said, the government has significantly reduced local debt and successfully recovered Tinapa, previously used as loan collateral. Coordinators were also empowered to inspect projects within their local government areas and provide reports.
Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. (Chief) Emmanuel Ironbar, described Abang as “dogged and resilient,” expressing confidence in his ability to deliver results. He urged the coordinators to work closely with local government chairmen, execute their responsibilities diligently, and strive to increase the state’s voting strength, warning that performance would be closely monitored.
Speaking separately on behalf of the three senatorial districts, Victor Ofum Agbor (Boki), Mr. Kennedy Ubi Ibiang (Yakurr), Mr. Amissine Usetu Ogban (Biase), Barr. Ene Cobham (Bakassi), Engr. Martin Abraka Itim (Obanliku), and Mr. Udey Clement Ikawu (Ogoja) pledged their commitment to actualising the Renewed Hope and People First agendas of both the federal and state governments. They assured of effective mobilisation, strengthened ward structures, and clear communication of government policies across their respective local government areas.
The 18 Local Government Coordinators are: Pastor Daniel Isang (Abi); Hon. Charles Ikpeme (Akamkpa); Hon. Etim Bassey Effiong (Akpabuyo); Hon. Chief Barr. Ene Cobham (Bakassi); Hon. Agabi Ignatius Adida (Bekwarra); Mr. Asuquo Ekpenyong (Calabar Municipal); Elder Archibong Ironbar (Calabar South); Engr. Martin Abraka Itim (Obanliku); Cmrd. Ekpenyong Obo (Odukpani); Mr. Canice Aniah (Obudu); Hon. Uchuod Marcellus Ebi (Yala); Mr. Udey Clement Ikawu (Ogoja); Mr. Marshal Dickson Ayo (Obubra); Mr. Emmanuel Ndum (Etung); Mr. Mbissang Abung (Ikom); Mr. Amissine Usetu Ogban (Biase); Mr. Kennedy Ubi Ibiang (Yakurr); and Mr. Victor Ofum Agbor (Boki).
Also present at the meeting were Statesman Ntufam Peter Ojie; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk; Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Oden Ewa; Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba; State Chief of Protocol to the Governor, Hon. Sylvester Otu Abang; former Commissioner for Power, High Chief Timmy Tom Udam, among others.
The maiden meeting concluded with plans to inaugurate local government and ward structures, formally setting the Renewed Hope grassroots machinery in motion across Cross River State.
