Foremost female politician in Cross River State, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa has urged the people of Cross River State to rally round Governor Bassey Otu and ensure peace and development of the state.
In a letter to the people of the state titled: “Point of order: Gov. Otu must not be distracted,” Sen. Ita-Giwa urged the people of the state to allow Gov. Otu to govern and fulfill the promises the governor made to the people.
“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 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 first’ promise he made to his people. Already, just one and half year in office, the difference is very visible,” she said in the letter.
The former presidential adviser on National Assembly Matters, argued that many people in the state seem to have forgotten the fierce battle fought to ensure the return of power to the South in 2023, urging the people to rise up and “protect what we struggled to achieve and continue to enjoy this season of sweetness.”
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Sen. Ita-Giwa pointed out that Go. Otu is the political leader of the state, regardless of where any other politician from the state is domiciled or whatever position he or she holds.
She 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.”
She noted that when she was a senator, she 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 crucial 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 advised.
She maintained that the ‘back to south’ agenda in the political equation in the state is not a four -year project, but eight years for Gov. Out, whom according to her is already “delivering visible results, unprecedented growth and prosperity to Cross River State.”
