As the 2027 elections gather momentum in Cross River, elder statesmen, political and opinion leaders in the state, under the aegis of Cross River State Elders Advisory Council have endorsed Gov Bassey Otu to continue in office beyond 2027, warning that destructive criticism was not in the best interest of Cross River.
Speaking in Calabar, weekend, during its inaugural meeting, Chairman of the Council and former governor of the State, Chief Clement Ebri said “It is our collective right, our democratic responsibility, and our sacred duty to determine our political leadership,” and commended Governor Bassey Otu for what he described as the efforts of his administration, particularly in infrastructure and other areas of development.
“We should encourage what is working, advise where improvements are required, and remember always that Rome was not built in a day.
“The task of transforming a state is enormous, and it requires time, patience, sacrifice, and the collective support of its people. A Chinese saying has it that one should never criticise a man until he or she has walked one mile in his shoes,” he said.
Apparently making a veiled reference to recent criticisms of the state government, particularly from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ebri said “We must remain mature enough to distinguish between constructive criticism and efforts calculated to undermine the legitimate interests of our state.
“Let me also make it clear that Cross Riverians will not sit idly by and watch meddlesome interlopers determine who should govern our state or dictate the political destiny of our people.”
Speaking earlier, the Secretary of the Council, Barr Eyo Nsa Ekpo, said the meeting was “the beginning of a deliberate effort” to bring together some of the state’s finest minds and opinion holders to interrogate its past, properly situate the present and chart a progressive future.
In a communiqué signed by Chief Ebri as Chairman of the council, and Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, Secretary, the Elders Advisory Council reaffirmed its commitment to providing “strategic guidance, wise counsel, and constructive feedback to foster inclusive governance, sustainable development, and enduring peace across the state.”
It promised to act as a feedback mechanism for the administration by monitoring the implementation of government interventions and projects down to the level of ordinary citizens.
Some of the dignitaries who honoured the meeting with their presence included Dr. Fidelis Ugbo, Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, Ex-military administrator Col. P.A.M. Ogar (rtd.), Eyo Nsa Whiley, former UniCal VC James Epoke, Dr Patrick Ene-Okon and many others.
