From Grass To Grace: The Humble Beginning Of Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar 

… Gives End Of Year Gratitude To God For Faithfulness, Gov Otu For Opportunity To Serve

By Olanrewaju Babatunde

The story of Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, the Chief of Staff to the executive governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu will not be complete without a glance at his tortuous, adventurous, but inspiring political journey.

Checks by The Beagle News indicated that Emmanuel, a former Supervisory Councillor in Calabar South local government area, was born into a middle-class family, and not a typical child fed with the proverbial golden spoon.

Buoyed by his family’s modest background and with a sheer determination to make a difference and succeed in life after school, Emma, as he is fondly called by his peers and admirers began to gradually, but steadily build his political resumé upon the eventual return of democratic governance in Nigeria, nay Cross River State at various times as opportunities beckon. And, this is not without experimenting other ventures in life just like every other human aspiring to achieve a set goal.

Relationship with Prince Bassey Edet Otu

However, with a stroke of luck and perhaps divine arrangement after toiling the complex political terrain in Cross River State for many years supporting many politicians to climb the ladder without a commensurate reward, he met Senator Bassey Otu in the course of politicking and that contact of yester-years climaxed in his deserved appointment as the Chief of Staff to the governor, shortly after he took over the mantle of leadership as governor of the state in 2023.

It was reliably gathered that Hon. Ironbar’s relationship with the governor dates back many years ago even before the latter’s hey days in the National Assembly (NASS). Stories abound how the duo were there for each other in the past in what could be described as a symbiotic or mutually beneficial relationship, especially when the chips were down in either side.

The Chief of Staff stated these much while thanking God in a grand style at the end of 2023, in the Bible Christian Crusaders Mission on Sunday in Calabar South. He recalled in nostalgia how he and the governor had traversed the political turf as well as his trying moments when he was hospitalized in Lagos for a long time and, Senator Otu was one of the few dignitaries who found time to visit him periodically.

Significantly, it was not unexpected for political pundits to see Emmanuel, who was also an aide to a former governor of Cross River State, Sen. Liyel Imoke, playing prominent roles in the gubernatorial campaigns that ushered in the Prince Bassey Ot u’s led administration in Cross River State.

While the campaigns lasted, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar was not only quite visible, but gave a good account of his political acumen and sagacity. This, according to Emmanuel in the course of the thanksgiving service, was actualized using his famous campaign organization “Prince is coming,” which later metamorphosed into “Prince is here”, after the election. He described governor Otu as an elder brother and mentor, who was always there for him.

While attributing the election of governor Bassey Otu at a precarious time when the state yearned for a leader who had the interest of the masses at heart, Ironbar stated that: “I want to say today is a very special day in my life. Its being a very long journey. The things my father in the Lord said are true; accidents, challenges and difficulties. As regard our governor, I call him my elder brother and mentor. I don’t just call him my boss; I call him my mentor. Every part of his life is sweetness; no wonder he has brought sweetness to Cross River State. These is a man who has changed the narrative of politics in Cross River State.

“If you believe in the word of God the sky will be your limit. I have never seen a man, who after leaving office his supporters still celebrate him. Its not all about qualification; if its qualification I will not be standing here.

“This season of sweetness will last for eight years and nobody will take it. Its not by our power; but by the will of God. The man has many in stock for this state; if only in six months we have recorded these much, how about in one year, two years or four years? Our father is a gentleman to the core; a politician par excellence. My life cannot be complete without Prince Otu. God has used the governor to make me the Chief of Staff and I am Chief of Staff to the people.”

Governor Otu’s address at the event

In his address at the occasion, the governor, Senator Bassey Otu reiterated his commitment to developing the state further; ensuring a viable economy that will generate opportunities for the masses.

The governor decried the poor economic situation he met on ground, disclosing that in several indices the state was in a bondage upon assuming office in 2023. He assured that no stone will be left unturned to bring about the needed prosperity in the state with a view to improve on the economic fortunes of the citizenry.

Governor Otu extolled the virtues of the celebrant, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, describing him as a complete man, known for his humility, and dedication to duties in all his endeavours.

Going down memory lane, Prince Bassey Otu revealed that Ironbar, who is now his Chief of Staff was a rugged man when they first met many years ago, adding that it took divine intervention to transform him to a complete man in all ramifications.

According to Otu, “I thank God for a day like this. I thank God for the celebrant. What God cannot do does not exist. When we first met, he was a rugged man. I will not speak so much so that I won’t take the shine. As you see him, he is a complete man.

"For Cross River State, nobody will come and ask you why you voted these man. Cross River State was in bondage, and I came to liberate it.

“God did not create any man to be static. They say Cross River State is poor, those days are past. We are laying a foundation for the prosperity of our state even to outlive this administration. Let us see how we can build this state and take it to the next level. What we have seen is a tip of the iceberg. We are moving higher.”

Earlier, the minister in charge of Bible Christian Crusader Mission, Pastor J.I Okoro, in his sermon with the topic “This is my winning season,” said the only thing that can sustain one’s life is the word of God.

With reference from the book of Psalms 20:1 in the Holy Bible, the man of God noted that it is the word of God that gives meaning, substance and energy in all human endeavours. Accordingly, he urged the masses to take the word of God serious even while pursuing worldly desires.

The colourful event attracted the who is who in Cross River State including Speaker of the State House of Assembly, a former deputy governor of the State, Prof Ivara Esu, State Executive Council members, several members of the state House of Assembly, top security chiefs, some traditional rulers in the state, party stalwarts/associates, family members and several others.