Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu has called for unity, reconciliation and sustained commitment to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following the conclusion of the party’s primaries and unveiling of candidates at the APC state secretariat in Calabar.
Addressing party leaders, aspirants, delegates and supporters shortly after the exercise, the governor described the primaries as a demonstration of democratic maturity and urged members to place the collective interest of the party and the state above personal ambition.
Gov. Otu, while thanking party faithful for their steadfast support, said his administration came into office with a clear mission to build enduring institutions and stabilize the state economically and politically.
“I did not come to govern North or South. I came to lay a solid foundation for proper economic stability and independence on the sovereign power of the state,” the governor declared.
Key Highlights:
- Bassey Otu called for unity, reconciliation, and commitment to the APC after the party’s primaries and unveiling of candidates in Calabar.
- The governor described the primaries as a demonstration of democratic maturity and urged party members to place the interests of the APC and Cross River State above personal ambitions.
- Otu praised aspirants who accepted the outcome of the primaries in good faith, noting that managing political ambition is one of the greatest challenges in democratic leadership.
- He appealed to aggrieved members to avoid division and bitterness, assuring them that the APC has internal mechanisms to address grievances and resolve disputes.
- The governor advised young politicians to be patient, learn the principles of leadership, and avoid unhealthy political rivalry, while emphasizing that governance should focus on building lasting institutions and sustainable development.
He added that despite prevailing challenges, the administration has made significant progress in several sectors and remains committed to sustaining people-oriented governance.
Reflecting on the just-concluded primaries, the governor acknowledged that managing political ambition remains one of the most difficult aspects of democratic leadership.
He commended all aspirants who participated in the contest, particularly those who accepted the outcome in good faith.
“The most difficult activity in politics is how to manage human ambition, I want to thank all those who fought to the limit and still showed maturity and respect for the party.
“Leadership positions come at different times for different people, and every one of us has his time,” Gov. Otu added.
The governor appealed to aggrieved party members not to allow temporary disappointment degenerate into bitterness or division, insisting that the APC possesses adequate internal mechanisms to resolve disputes.
“There is no better platform than this party. If there are grievances, the party has the capacity to handle such matters. We will talk together, resolve issues together and continue to move forward together,” he said.
He assured stakeholders that no loyal party member would be abandoned, revealing plans to convene meetings with all aspirants after the forthcoming presidential exercise.
In a passionate appeal to younger politicians and emerging leaders, Gov. Otu cautioned against desperation and unhealthy political rivalry, urging them instead to patiently understudy the principles and discipline of leadership.
“You do not come into politics to become a big man overnight. Go and wait for your time. Study the rudiments of politics, remain faithful to the struggle and your opportunity will come”, he counseled.
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He warned against dragging supporters into needless political conflicts, stressing that ambition must never supersede the peace and future of the state.
Speaking on governance and continuity, the governor emphasized that his administration is focused on completing projects, strengthening institutions and implementing policies that would endure beyond the present generation.
According to him, governance must transcend personalities and be anchored on sustainable systems capable of guaranteeing long-term development.
