Ebri, Imoke Hail Otu's Development Strides
Ebi COLLINS
Former Cross River state governors, Clement Ebri and Liyel Imoke, have voiced their satisfaction at the incumbent governor, Senator Bassey Otu for his impactful leadership, which, they say, has propelled the state into a meteoric development upward trajectory marginally over a year he mounted the saddle of leadership.
The two political doyens expressed their excitement at Governor Otu's award of the "Premier's Prize 2024 - Leadership Award," by the late Michael Okpara Foundation, held recently in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
The one-time governor Clement Ebri spoke in glowing terms about Governor Otu's performance so far, as well as the public confidence and approval he enjoys, saying, "He has earned it. He is very forthright, focused, and development-oriented. I see him working in the footsteps of Michael Okpara, who did so much good work for the state."
On his part, erstwhile Governor Liyel Imoke remarked, "This honour speaks volumes of the credibility of the foundation and is a great commendation of the work being put in by our Governor. He has started well and should continue the good work. Also, all of us must contribute towards bringing the state to its glory days. I wish him the very best."
Also showering plaudits on Governor Otu, the Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Eteng Williams, said: "I am more proud because he is doing well. He is moving with the mantra of ‘People First’ and he is true to his words because all his programmes have been people-oriented. If the Michael Okpara Foundation can identify him as doing well, that means he is truly doing well. He is working for the people and yes, he is for the people. I am very proud that I am a Cross Riverian."
Accepting the Premier's Prize, Governor Otu pledged his commitment to the people of Cross River State, saying, "It is a call to move in his great landmark and do even more and bring our state to its rightful place. We are working with some of the blueprints of the late Michael Okpara in a more modern form. I dedicate this award to Cross Riverians because it is the support from the citizenry that has brought me this far. My assurance is that we would do even more for the benefit of our people, dear state, and the generations to come.
