Ukorebi Esien | December 12, 2025
CALABAR — The Cross River State Government has unveiled former governor of the state, Chief Clement Ebri, as Chairman of the Elders Advisory Council, a body established to strengthen consultative governance and provide strategic guidance to the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu.
The unveiling which took place on Thursday in Calabar under the auspices of the Cross River State Consultative Forum, brought together eminent leaders, former public office holders and respected statesmen from across the 18 local government areas of the state.
Performing the iinugurrtion ceremony Governor Bassey Otu described the Elders Advisory Council as a vital asset to the administration, noting that governments that listen to credible and experienced advisers are better positioned to succeed.
Otu who was represented by his deputy Rt. Hon. Peter Odey reaffirmed the administration's commitment to listening to the council's advice, adding that the government was determined to consolidate its achievements in infrastructure, asset recovery and economic development across the state.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Cross River State Consultative Forum, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, said the council was established to provide a platform where experienced leaders from all parts of the state could contribute to shaping policies and programmes aimed at accelerating development.
Ekpo explained that the advisory council would also serve as a feedback mechanism to monitor the implementation of government projects and interventions at the grassroots, ensuring that policies reach ordinary citizens and reflect their needs.
According to him, the forum would intensify citizens' engagement across the state, with a focus on political awareness, participation in governance and increased voter turnout during elections to enhance Cross River State's relevance at the federal level.
He also announced the inauguration of coordinating committees of the Consultative Forum in all 18 local government areas, noting that the local government structures would be responsible for establishing ward-level committees to drive grassroots participation.
Shortly after his unveiling as Chairman of the Elders Advisory Council Chief Clement Ebri, expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and assured that the council would offer sincere, independent and constructive advice in the interest of the state.
He commended Governor Otu for embracing inclusive leadership and creating space for elders to contribute meaningfully to governance, stressing that experience and institutional memory remained critical to navigating the challenges of leadership.
The inauguration of the Elders Advisory Council marks a new phase in the state's consultative governance framework, with expectations that the body will play a key role in fostering unity, accountability and sustainable development in Cross River State.
0 comments: