Ironbar Hails Neighbour to Neighbour Support for Otu’s Second Term
By Judex OKORO
The Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor, Chief Dr Emmanuel Ironbar, has received members of the Neighbour to Neighbour political support group, who visited to declare their support for Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s bid for a second term in office.
The delegation, which included members of the group’s executive, expressed confidence in the Governor’s leadership and the direction of the state under his administration.
Receiving the group, Ironbar commended its members for identifying with the administration and expressing confidence in the Governor’s leadership.
He described the visit as significant, noting that it demonstrated that Cross Riverians were not merely observing the administration’s programmes but were actively identifying with the progress being recorded across the state.
According to him, “Governor Bassey Otu has demonstrated that leadership is about service, compassion and delivering tangible results to the people.”
Ironbar also highlighted what he described as the Governor’s inclusive approach to governance, insisting that the administration had created space and opportunities for every Cross Riverian to participate in the development of the state.
“Governor Otu’s government is a government for everyone. There is space and opportunity for everybody, irrespective of background, political persuasion or where you come from. What matters to the Governor is the capacity and willingness to contribute to the growth and development of Cross River State,” he stated.
The Chief of Staff urged the group to remain focused on its mission and resist attempts to distract it from supporting the administration’s development agenda, stressing that the government remained committed to listening to constructive criticism.
He, however, accused some individuals of attempting to tarnish the reputation of the Governor through what he described as misinformation and unfounded narratives.
“They are disgruntled elements who are bent on tarnishing the reputation and good name of the Governor. We enjoin the group not to allow itself to be distracted by attempts to undermine the administration through misinformation and unfounded narratives.
“When you are doing something good, there will always be people who will attempt to pull you down. But we must remain committed to the truth and to the progress of our state. The enduring strength of truth will ultimately overcome falsehood.
“Truth, no matter how opaque or tainted it may appear, shall always prevail over falsehoods. Our responsibility is to remain truthful, consistent and focused on the work of taking Cross River forward,” Ironbar stated.
He commended the Neighbour to Neighbour movement for its grassroots engagement and show of solidarity, urging the group to continue taking the message of the administration’s achievements to the people.
“Politics is ultimately about the people. You are taking the message from one community to another and from one neighbourhood to another, and that is how confidence in government is built and sustained.
“We appreciate your support, we value your confidence in the Governor, and we urge you to continue engaging the people peacefully and constructively as we work together for a greater Cross River State.”
He assured the delegation that Governor Otu remained committed to consolidating his achievements and building a stronger, more prosperous and united Cross River State.
Earlier, the Director General of Neighbour to Neighbour, Dr Bobby Ekpenyong, said the group was a grassroots movement committed to taking the achievements of Governor Otu to every part of the state.
“Government cannot be everywhere. It is our duty to spread the message and tell the people. We are building an organic structure that will work assiduously for the success of Otu in 2027.
“We were very instrumental to President Goodluck Jonathan’s victory in 2011. We are going to embark on door to door mobilisation of voters from the North to Bakassi.
“Our main aim is to galvanise everybody and speak to them about Sweet Prince. We have ward, local government and neighbourhood cells comprising 10 coordinators, with each coordinator expected to mobilise 10 persons. We call it Operation Get 10 Persons. We have a very strong advocacy structure,” he stated.
The highlight of the visit was the investiture of Ironbar as the Grand Patron of the Neighbour to Neighbour movement in recognition of his support for the group.
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