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Ukorebi Esien | December 23, 2025
CALABAR — A pro–Southern Senatorial District advocacy group, the Cross River State Southern Senatorial District Assembly (CRSSSDA), has said Governor Bassey Edet Otu has restored public and investor confidence in Cross River State, following what it described as years of institutional decline and weak governance.
The group made this known in a press statement issued in Calabar and signed by its Chief of Party, Mr John Offiong, after a review of the performance of the current administration.
According to the Assembly, Cross River State had, before the emergence of the Otu-led administration, experienced significant challenges ranging from declining infrastructure and fiscal instability to reduced public trust in government.
Offiong said members of the group had, in the years leading up to the 2023 general elections, mobilised within and outside Nigeria to advocate for good governance in the state.
He explained that the group's decision to support the return of power to the Southern Senatorial District during the last elections was guided by principles of equity, zoning, and the need for balanced development across the state.
The group said the emergence of Governor Otu had justified that decision, noting that his administration had recorded visible progress in key sectors of the state's economy.
Among the areas highlighted were improved security across the state, repayment of inherited debts, and renewed emphasis on financial prudence and accountability in public finance management.
The Assembly also cited ongoing infrastructural projects, including road construction and urban renewal efforts in Calabar, renewed momentum on the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, and the development of a modern state library aimed at promoting education, innovation, and youth development.
According to the statement, the recent acquisition of a new aircraft for Cally Air was another strategic move expected to enhance government efficiency, attract investors, and position Cross River State for increased regional and international engagement.
In the agricultural sector, the group noted increased youth participation, which it said was stimulating economic activity and improving livelihoods, particularly in rural communities. It also described the construction of a new Governor's Lodge in Ogoja as a deliberate effort to decentralise governance and restore the area's historic administrative relevance.
While acknowledging that some policies of the administration had attracted criticism, the group said firm leadership was sometimes necessary to deliver meaningful reforms and reverse years of decline.
The Assembly further observed that Cross River State was fast emerging as one of Nigeria's preferred destinations for tourism, holidays, and business, attributing this to improved security, better infrastructure, a vibrant social environment, and renewed investor confidence.
It added that the economic activities and festive atmosphere witnessed during the recent Christmas season reflected growing public confidence in the state's direction.
The group also commended members of the governor's team for their professionalism and competence, describing many of them as "round pegs in round holes." It singled out the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, for praise, describing him as a stabilising force who has helped keep the administration focused on its mandate.
The Cross River State Southern Senatorial District Assembly called on residents of the state to continue supporting the current administration, stressing that sustained public support would help consolidate ongoing reforms and deepen democratic governance.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for inclusive development, equity, and policies aimed at promoting sustainable growth across all parts of Cross River State.
CALABAR — A pro–Southern Senatorial District advocacy group, the Cross River State Southern Senatorial District Assembly (CRSSSDA), has said Governor Bassey Edet Otu has restored public and investor confidence in Cross River State, following what it described as years of institutional decline and weak governance.
The group made this known in a press statement issued in Calabar and signed by its Chief of Party, Mr John Offiong, after a review of the performance of the current administration.
According to the Assembly, Cross River State had, before the emergence of the Otu-led administration, experienced significant challenges ranging from declining infrastructure and fiscal instability to reduced public trust in government.
Offiong said members of the group had, in the years leading up to the 2023 general elections, mobilised within and outside Nigeria to advocate for good governance in the state.
"At that time, Cross River State was drifting in the wrong direction. Institutions were weak, infrastructure was deteriorating, and good governance was largely absent. We felt compelled to speak up and call for change," he stated.
He explained that the group's decision to support the return of power to the Southern Senatorial District during the last elections was guided by principles of equity, zoning, and the need for balanced development across the state.
The group said the emergence of Governor Otu had justified that decision, noting that his administration had recorded visible progress in key sectors of the state's economy.
Among the areas highlighted were improved security across the state, repayment of inherited debts, and renewed emphasis on financial prudence and accountability in public finance management.
The Assembly also cited ongoing infrastructural projects, including road construction and urban renewal efforts in Calabar, renewed momentum on the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, and the development of a modern state library aimed at promoting education, innovation, and youth development.
According to the statement, the recent acquisition of a new aircraft for Cally Air was another strategic move expected to enhance government efficiency, attract investors, and position Cross River State for increased regional and international engagement.
In the agricultural sector, the group noted increased youth participation, which it said was stimulating economic activity and improving livelihoods, particularly in rural communities. It also described the construction of a new Governor's Lodge in Ogoja as a deliberate effort to decentralise governance and restore the area's historic administrative relevance.
While acknowledging that some policies of the administration had attracted criticism, the group said firm leadership was sometimes necessary to deliver meaningful reforms and reverse years of decline.
The Assembly further observed that Cross River State was fast emerging as one of Nigeria's preferred destinations for tourism, holidays, and business, attributing this to improved security, better infrastructure, a vibrant social environment, and renewed investor confidence.
It added that the economic activities and festive atmosphere witnessed during the recent Christmas season reflected growing public confidence in the state's direction.
The group also commended members of the governor's team for their professionalism and competence, describing many of them as "round pegs in round holes." It singled out the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, for praise, describing him as a stabilising force who has helped keep the administration focused on its mandate.
The Cross River State Southern Senatorial District Assembly called on residents of the state to continue supporting the current administration, stressing that sustained public support would help consolidate ongoing reforms and deepen democratic governance.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for inclusive development, equity, and policies aimed at promoting sustainable growth across all parts of Cross River State.
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