Four former governors of Cross River State have commended the incumbent Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, describing him as a leader genuinely unifying the state.
Chief Clement Ebri, Mr Donald Duke, Senator Liyel Imoke, and Professor Ben Ayade gave the commendation on Wednesday night during the opening ceremony of this year’s month-long Carnival Calabar, held at Millennium Park, Calabar. A key highlight of the event was Governor Otu’s presentation of awards to the former governors in recognition of their contributions to the state.
Ebri, whom Otu described as the “father of modern Cross River,” said the gesture was uplifting and symbolic.
Donald Duke reflected on the 20-year history of Carnival Calabar, noting that the festival has remained a strong unifying force. “The beauty is that it brings all our peoples, diverse as we are, into one unique event where we celebrate ourselves,” he said.
Senator Liyel Imoke described the gathering as “heartwarming and nostalgic,” praising Otu for his commitment to continuity. “It is uncommon for a governor to look back, identify what is good, and build on it. That spirit keeps institutions alive,” he stated.
Former Governor Ben Ayade also applauded Otu for bringing leaders together across political divides. “Today is about acknowledging that Sweet Prince Bassey Otu has shown the wisdom to unite us all, beyond party lines,” he said.
Governor Otu, in turn, celebrated the legacies of his predecessors highlighting Ebri’s strides in agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure; Duke’s transformation of the state into Nigeria’s tourism capital with innovations such as Obudu Ranch revitalisation, the establishment of CRUTECH, and the birth of Carnival Calabar; Imoke’s administrative reforms in education, rural development, and social welfare; and Ayade’s industrialisation drive and political courage.
“As we illuminate this city, we celebrate their visions and commit to building on them,” Otu stated. “My team and I will continue to grow Cross River through human capital development, industrialisation, rural transformation, and tourism.”
He urged citizens to embrace the festive season with hope and optimism: “May our faith shine as a beacon of renewal and prosperity.”
