Gov. Bassey Otu Pays Tribute to Predecessors as Cross River Switches On Christmas Lights
Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, on Sunday night led a symbolic ceremony in Calabar to switch on the State’s Christmas lights, using the occasion to pay glowing tributes to past leaders whose contributions, he said, continue to shape the State’s destiny.
Addressing a crowd of dignitaries, residents, and visitors, the Governor described the event as a “tripartism” of celebration – addressing the people, honouring his predecessors, and illuminating the capital city to mark the start of the festive season. The lighting, he noted, represented not only the spirit of Christmas but also the enduring ideals of “love, kindness and generosity.”
Governor Otu began by saluting former Governor Dr Clement Ebri, whom he praised as a “father, patriot and champion of champions.”
He highlighted Ebri’s visionary leadership, which prioritised human and infrastructural development, and recalled his role in establishing quality television broadcasting in the State as well as completing the long-abandoned State Cultural Centre.
Ebri’s humility, the Governor said, remains a model aligned with “current global governance standards.”
Turning to Chief Donald Duke, Governor Otu described the former Governor as youthful, energetic, stylish and boldly innovative. Duke’s introduction of Carnival Calabar in 2003, he said, transformed Cross River into a tourism powerhouse while the revitalisation of Obudu Cattle Ranch and the conception of the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort amplified the State’s global appeal.
Otu acknowledged that Duke could not complete Tinapa or fully realise the Obudu dream, but stressed that his legacy – including the establishment of the Cross River University of Technology, now UNICROSS – remains indelible.
The Governor also celebrated the contributions of Senator Liyel Imoke, who assumed office in 2007. Citing his background as an economist, lawyer and former federal minister, Otu noted that Imoke brought administrative expertise that greatly benefitted the State.
Education, under Imoke, received unprecedented attention: schools were renovated statewide, the Cross River State College of Education was reestablished, and scholarship programmes expanded.
Otu further commended Imoke’s commitment to rural development, procurement discipline, social welfare and healthcare reforms.
Governor Otu then reflected on the tenure of his immediate predecessor, Senator Ben Ayade, describing him as stylish, unorthodox and spirited.
He applauded Ayade’s “food on the table” policy, which he said provided employment for many young people. Ayade’s administration, he noted, witnessed the establishment of multiple industries and the creation of Cally Air, which flew the Cross River flag across Nigerian airspace.
Otu also credited Ayade for returning the State to the ruling party, a move he said sustained Cross River’s longstanding political alignment and facilitated a smooth transition that made his own emergence possible.
Referencing the literary works of T. S. Eliot, Governor Otu said his administration has adopted a developmental philosophy that builds on the foundations laid by previous leaders.
“We continue to sustain old infrastructures, renew aging ones and build new ones,” he declared. With a focus on security, environmental well-being, tourism, rural development, human capital growth and industrialisation, he assured citizens that his government is committed to delivering improvements that “translate to better lives for the people.”
Describing his administration as “translators and transformers,” Governor Otu said progress already recorded shows the State is on a promising path.
He encouraged residents to reflect on the collective journey and look ahead with optimism as the festive lights illuminate hope for prosperity, love and progress.
“As we bask in the glow of these lights tonight,” he said, “may our State shine like a beacon of hope and prosperity, strength and growth, love and progress, now and always, to the glory of God.”
