Consultation And Thank You Tour: Sen. Otu Meets Bakassi, Akpabuyo Stakeholders
The consultation and thank you train of the All Progressives Congress gubernatorial candidate in Cross River State, Sen Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has arrived Bakassi and Akpabuyo LGAs of the state in continuation of his tour of the Southern Senatorial District.
Sen. Otu who met with traditional rulers council of the LGAs, was welcomed by the Paramount rulers, where he received blessings from the royal fathers.
In his speech, paramount ruler of Bakassi, HRM Etinyin Etim Okon Edet, while welcoming the governorship hopeful, assured him of their support and prayers, insisting that the goodwill of Sen. Otu is known to all Cross Riverians.
"You don't tell us what to do in your matter, we know what to do, you don't need to bother yourself, we will do the needful when the time comes"
Also speaking, His Highness Effiom U. Bassey, a member of Bakassi Traditional Council said "We know that in 1999 when democracy returned to the country, Government started from the South to central and proceeded to the North, after the turn of the North, equity demands that it returns to the South. In Bakassi, we are fully committed to Sen. Otu's aspiration because it reflects justice and fairness" he said.
In her address, Dame Sen. Florence Ita Giwa said Sen. Otu's understanding of issues facing Bakassi and his involvement in the Bakassi struggle makes him best suited to lead the State.
"This crowd you are seeing here is a desperate crowd, this are people who have suffered for so many years. But they are here because you represent hope to them. You are the only lawmaker whose struggle about the Bakassi issue in the national Assembly is visible and documented"
"You are the only one that understands the situation of Bakassi and for us it is either Prince Otu or no other one else"
In Akpabuyo, Sen Otu was received by the Paramount Ruler and traditional council, Council Chairman, political appointees, APC stakeholders, party faithful and thousands of sons and daughters of Akpabuyo
The Akpabuyo Traditional Rulers Council, led by the Paramount Ruler, Etinyin Ekpenyong Edet Nya conferred a chieftaincy title *UWANA AKPABUYO* on the APC gubernatorial candidate in Cross River State, Ntufam, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu.
Responding Sen Otu expressed gratitude for the show of love particularly to the Akpabuyo Traditional Council who found him worthy for the conferment of Unwana Akpabuyo, "I'm honoured that you found me worthy for this exalted award, my commitment to humanity has received a major boost and Akpabuyo shall be at the centre of our engagements"
At the reception, Sen. Otu said it was necessary to return to thank the people of Bakassi and Akpabuyo LGAs for their support during the APC gubernatorial primaries held in Calabar few months ago. “let me thank you, my dear delegates for standing behind me during the primaries. Your choice was borne out of your conviction and confidence in me even without any inducement”
"Thank you is not enough, I'm humbled, grateful and in your debt. Together we will build a peaceful and prosperous Cross River"
In his entourage were his wife, Rev. Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, the Deputy Governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, the leadership of the APC in the state, led by the State Chairman Barr. Alphonsus Eba and members of the State working committee, Director General of his campaign organisation H.E. Amb. Soni Abang, Sen Victor Ndoma Egba, Chief Peter Ojie, Hon. Julius Okputu, High Chief Edem Duke, High Chief Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, Hon. Bishop Alex Ukam, Senatorial/House of Reps/House of Assembly candidates, Commissioners among other critical stakeholders
