By Abasi Ita
Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has congratulated former Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba, on the occasion of his 70th birthday, describing him as a towering jurist, statesman and patriot whose contributions have enriched both Cross River State and Nigeria.
In a congratulatory message released on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Linus Obogo, the governor praised the distinguished career of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, noting that his years of public service have left an enduring mark on lawmaking, governance and national development.
Governor Otu said the milestone birthday provided an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable life and achievements of the former senator, whom he described as a mentor and respected elder.
“On this special milestone of your seventieth birthday, I extend my warmest felicitations to you, my dear elder brother, mentor and distinguished compatriot,” the governor said. “Your life has been a shining testament to the rare union of intellect, discipline and public virtue.”
The governor noted that Ndoma Egba’s journey from the legal profession to national politics represents a compelling story of excellence and commitment to public service.
According to him, the former Senate Leader distinguished himself both at the Bar and in the legislature through his dedication to principle and the progress of Cross River State and the country at large.
“From the august courts where you adorned the Bar with forensic brilliance to the red chamber of the National Assembly where you served with dignity and commanding insight, your career has been guided by fidelity to principle and devotion to the progress of Cross River State and Nigeria,” Otu stated.
Ndoma Egba represented Cross River Central Senatorial District in the Senate for three consecutive terms between 2003 and 2015 and was widely respected for his legislative depth and influential role in parliamentary debates.
Governor Otu also commended his tenure as chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, noting that his leadership helped bring stability and institutional clarity to the interventionist agency.
“Your stewardship at the Niger Delta Development Commission bore the unmistakable imprint of wisdom, refinement of thought and steadfast patriotism,” the governor said. “You demonstrated that public office can indeed be guided by restraint, integrity and a profound sense of responsibility.”
The governor further described the former senator as a custodian of institutional memory and a moral compass for younger generations of leaders in Cross River State and beyond.
“At seventy, your legacy gleams brightly in the firmament of Nigerian public life,” he added. “You remain a beacon of statesmanship whose counsel continues to illuminate the path of responsible leadership.”
Governor Otu also prayed for the continued wellbeing of the elder statesman and reaffirmed the pride of the state in his accomplishments.
“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Cross River State, I celebrate your enduring contributions and pray that Providence grants you robust health, abiding peace and many more years of wise guidance to our state and country,” he said.