By Abasi Ita
Traditional rulers across Cross River State have expressed their support for Governor Bassey Otu, endorsing him for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was made during their first quarterly meeting of 2026, held at the State Council of Chiefs Chambers in Calabar. The royal fathers highlighted the governor’s achievements in infrastructure development, peacebuilding, grassroots governance, and restoring confidence in leadership as key reasons for their backing. They also credited him with steering the state away from the brink of collapse.
Leading the motion, the Paramount Ruler of Bakassi, Etinyin Barr. Etim Okon Edet, said that securing a second term has become a common practice since the return of democracy in Nigeria, and Prince Bassey Otu is no exception.
“Aside from the fact that a second term has become almost automatic, Prince Bassey Otu deserves it based on his impressive performance,” Edet said.
The Paramount Ruler of Ikom, HRM Minen Takon Atangba Nkpa, added that Otu’s re-election would allow him to consolidate his people-oriented projects and further reposition the state for greater progress.
In his remarks, the Bekwarra Paramount Ruler, Chief Linus Ogbeche Odey, commended Governor Otu for his transformative leadership and dedication to advancing the state’s development agenda.
The endorsement, prompted by a call from the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council and Paramount Ruler of Abi,HRM Ovai Solomon Osim Edward, who presided over the session, signals strong grassroots support for Governor Otu as he seeks to continue his governance initiatives in Cross River State.