Back to South’ agenda “is not a four-year project, it is an eight-year mission for Prince Bassey Otu _ Ita Giwa
Former Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Sen. Princess Florence Ita-Giwa has warned against any distraction capable of derailing the ‘people’s first agenda of Governor Bassey Out.
She said there is no vacancy in governor’s office in 2027 as the “Back to South” agenda with Governor Otu on the saddle is an eight-year mission.
This warning may not be unconnected with the rumour that the Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial district at the National Assembly, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jnr. is angling to contest the governorship seat with Senator Bassey Otu in 2027. The purveyors further allege that Ekpenyong Jnr. is engaged in some activities without the knowledge of the governor.
Some persons have argued though, that the Senator is vibrant and energetic with ideas and does not need to consult the governor before attracting any project to the state and he has the right to aspire to any political office he wishes even though he has not indicated so.
But Senator Ita-Giwa in a letter to Cross Riverians and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Calabar, is viewing all these as political distractions, not allowing the Governor to concentrate and deliver on his people’s first agenda.
She said, “I write to you as a mother and as one of the senior political stakeholders—if not the most senior alive in terms of ranking—having served as the first Deputy Minority Leader in the Senate in my time and having contested and won four elections. I speak from experience.
“The Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu must be allowed to govern and fulfill the “people’s first” promise he made to his people. Already, just one and half year in office, the difference is very visible”.
“Many seem to have forgotten the fierce battle we fought to ensure the return of power to the South in 2023. It was never handed to us on a platter of gold, …it was a hard-fought victory that tested our resilience. Some doubted it could happen, but with God on our side and the total commitment of our brothers and sisters from the North and Central, we prevailed. Now, we must protect what we struggled to achieve and continue to enjoy this season of sweetness.
“Governor Otu is the political leader of this state—the father of all political officeholders. Regardless of where we serve, whether in Abuja, Lagos, Calabar or anywhere else, we owe him our respect and support”.
And continuing, the former presidential aide said, “the cordiality and mutual respect that have existed between lawmakers and the state’s Chief Executive—the Governor—since my time must continue.
“Collaboration is key and crucial; whatever anyone achieves in Abuja or elsewhere must be implemented in partnership with the Governor to ensure its success in the overall interest of Cross River State”.
Referencing her experience as a Senator, “I maintained a close relationship of mutual respect and understanding with the then-Governor Donald Duke. Despite belonging to different political parties, I sought his guidance on critical decisions affecting our people.
“We both made good use of each other’s connections and goodwill. Leadership demands humility and cooperation—we must give honour to whom honour is due”, she added.
The ‘Back to South’ agenda, she said, “is not a four-year project —it is an eight-year mission for Prince Bassey Otu that is already delivering visible results, unprecedented growth and prosperity to Cross River State. Let us stay focused and committed to this cause. We must all remain united and dedicated to seeing it through”.
By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)
