Calabar Agog as Sen Prince Bassey Otu Consults stakeholders in Calabar South, Calabar Municipality
The ancient city of Calabar, the Cross River State capital was agog as the All Progressives Congress gubernatorial candidate, Ntufam Sen. Prince Bassey Otu met and consulted party stakeholders of Calabar South and Calabar Municipality LGAs in continuation of his State-wide Consultative and thank you tour
In a Carnival like atmosphere admirers and supporters of the man many prefer to call Sweet Prince from both LGA's took over the state capital including display of several masquerades and cultural dances.
In her welcome address at Calabar South, the Council Chairman, Hon. Mrs. Esther Bassey expressed delight at the visit describing it as homecoming. She said "Calabar South is proud to have you here, welcome to the LGA whose confidence in you is far more than that of your LGA of origin. In your previous elections, Calabar South has always delivered in your favour. We are proud of you that is why this crowd is here to welcome you and your team."
"We cannot express how happy we are of your visit, one thing we want to assure you is that Calabar South support is 100%.
In her remarks, Hon. Inyang Asibong, commissioner for International Development and Cooperation described Sen. Otu as a man tested and trusted, a perfect fit for the leadership of the State.
"The man we are talking about is tested and trusted, he has been tested in the House of reps, he has been tested in the senate and has delivered beyond expectations. Sen Otu has shown surplus capacity, therefore Calabar South is 100% sweet Prince"
In Calabar Municipality, Sen Otu was received by the Council Chairman, APC stakeholders, political appointees, party faithfuls, support groups, Women and Youths of Calabar Municipality.
In his welcome address in Calabar Municipality, the chairman of Council, Hon. Nta Eke said Cross River State is blessed to have a Man like the Sweet Prince as the next governor of the State describing his emergence as divine.
He said Sen. Otu is coming to consolidate on the gains of previous administrations taking Cross River State to new heights.
Also speaking during the event, Former Vice chairman of the APC South South, Ntufam Hilliard Etta said "it is important to recognise the sensibility of our diversity in the choice of leaders in our society. It is the reason zoning is understandably entrenched in our politics. The choice of Sen. Otu from the South represents truth, justice and equity. We will mobilise across the Wards in Calabar Municipality and deliver along the lines of equity and fairness"
Responding, Sen Prince Bassey Otu said he was overwhelmed by the rousing reception and show of love from Calabar South and Calabar Municipality.
He said the visit is part of his engagements to thank the people for electing him as APC flag bearer for the 2023 gubernatorial election in Cross River State
"I'm here to thank you for your support and the role you played in my emergence in the party primaries"
"My sincere gratitude goes to the delegates who found me worthy and gave me their support without any inducement, I can't thank you enough. I remain on your debt. I want assure you that, together, we will build the Cross River of our dreams.
The event witnessed the defection of notable PDP members to the APC, among whom were Mr. Gregory Effiong, Patrick Edem and over 120 others.
Accompanying Sen. Otu were, his wife, Rev. Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, the deputy governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, leadership of the Cross River State APC led by the state Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Eba, Director General of his campaign organisation, H.E. Amb. Soni Abang, gubernatorial aspirants of the APC, Engr Ben Akak and Engr. Engr. Ekpenyong Nsa, Sen. Victor Ndoma Egba, Dame Sen. Florence Ita Giwa, High Chief Edem Duke, High Chief Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, Chief Peter Ojie, Dr. Julius Okputu, Chief Obono Obla, Senatorial/House of Representatives/state assembly candidates of the Southern Senatorial District, Commissioners, House of Assembly among others