By Dianabasi Effiong
Recently, indigenes of Cross River State worldwide converged in Birmingham, United Kingdom, for their ‘2025 Cross Riverians in the Diaspora Convention’.
The three-day convention, which was held from Aug.1 to Aug. 3, had as its theme: “Diaspora Contribution to the Development and Sustainability of Cross River State.”
In his keynote address, Papa DC Enamhe, PhD, an attorney and initiator of the Think Cross River Movement, urged the people of the state, at home and in the diaspora, to embrace unity, loyalty, pride, and responsibility to enhance the growth of their state.
In his opening remarks, he also said: “When I was coming here, my party, the PDP, warned me not to speak glowingly about Governor Otu, but looking at his developmental strides and some of his monumental strides, I had to disappoint them and think Cross River.”
According to Enamhe, the Think Cross River Movement was conceived to promote love, harmony, and peace across ethnic, religious, social, and economic divides among indigenes of the state.
Dr Enamhe said that the Think Cross River philosophy was progressing in leaps and bounds as the administration of Gov. Bassey Otu’s adopted it as a complementary part of his “People First” agenda.
Enamhe, also an environmental and human rights lawyer, community activist, and teacher in university of Calabar, urged all Cross Riverians at home and abroad to “Think Cross River”.
He said, “This is because the present State administration has keyed into it as a complementary part of His Excellency, Sen. Bassey Otu’s empathetic People First, Mantra.
“One practical demonstration of indeed living the people first Mantra by the governor was the total and unconditional support for the agitations for the creation of Ogoja State in recent times.
“Many governors will, in the quest for larger territorial control, be averse to cutting off territories from their area of control.
But in the demonstration of foresight, to ensure the easier development of the entire landmass that constitutes the present Cross River, Gov. Otu became the major proponent of the Ogoja State Movement.
“HE THINKS CROSS RIVER! Cross Riverians at home or abroad must start to think CROSS RIVER
Our politicians in all political parties, especially those elected and appointed into positions, must eschew inclinations to partisan considerations in dealing with the people and only THINK CROSS RIVER.
“Most importantly, Cross Riverians in the diaspora must THINK CROSS RIVER
“They are our collective identity out there. They export our identity of class, decency, hospitality, and accommodation to the outside world.
Thinking Cross River will always motivate them to be better versions of themselves and their state and nation.
“And for every son and daughter of Cross River, who believes that home is not a place,
But a promise.
Whether at Home or Abroad, Think Cross River!.
“From the legislative chambers of the Tenth National Assembly
to the silent hopes of communities awaiting recognition,
This is more than a debate about statehood-
It is about justice, visibility, and strategic participation.
Whether at Home or Abroad, Think Cross River!
“Lobby wisely. Agitate boldly. Advocate purposefully.
“Whether at Home or Abroad, Think Cross River! Cross River is more than a place on the map – it is a memory in motion, a culture in colour, a promise waiting to be fulfilled.
“Whether you’re walking the cobbled streets of Calabar or navigating life in distant lands, the rhythm of Cross River beats steadily in your heart.
“This is a call to every son and daughter – students, professionals, artisans, dreamers: let your success echo with the pride of your roots. Invest, speak up, represent, return when you can, carry along others at home to opportunities abound, and remember always, your state needs your light.
“Whether at home or abroad, think Cross River!
Think heritage. Think legacy. Think forward.”
Enamhe also urged Gov. Otu to continue to do all in his power to settle the communal crisis between the Ukelle people and the Izzis of Ebonyi State as well as the crisis between the people of Obudu and the Tivs in Benue State as well as in
Isobendeghe, Obubra.
“The security of your people continues to be paramount.
Let’s create a buffer zone in the boundary between Ukele in Yala Cross River State and Izzi, Ebonyi State
Gakem in Bekwarra, Cross River, and Vandeikya, Benue state.
“To every listener here today – whether you walk the red earth of Obudu or stride the pavements of Paris, from Gakem to Geneva, from Obanliku to Oklahoma
Calabar to California, Boki/Ikom forests to the Amazons or Australia, Obubra, Yala or to sunder lands – carry this banner in your heart:
Whether at home or abroad, think Cross River! Because home is not a boundary; it’s a bond,” Enamhe said.
Enamhe also harped on the need for the creation of states and the governor’s efforts to address state issues.
He said, “And until it pleases the Federal Government to create a Calabar state or an Ogoja state, let this thought continue to resonate with us. This is the best possible period for the Think Cross River mantra to catch on.
“With Governor Otu’s pan-Cross River outlook, his across-the-state development strides, prompt and wholehearted support to the who-is-who in Northern Cross River forum to repatriate the seemingly forgotten remains of late Elder Statesman and Nigeria’s former Senate President, Dr Joseph Wayas, from a London morgue back home for proper burial within record time after assumption of office, speaks volumes of the governor’s commitment to serving Cross River notwithstanding tribe, status or location.
“Let us therefore, together with His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, continue to think of Cross River. All Cross Riverians say so! WHETHER AT HOME OR ABROAD, LET’S THINK CROSS RIVER!!.”
Those who attended the convention were: the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal,
Gov. Bassey Otu of C’River, his
Wife, Bishop Eyoawan Bassey Otu.
Also in attendance were: the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Emmanuel Ironbar, the Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang,
The President of CRID,
Ambassador Christopher Lekam, and the
Chairman, Boki Local Government Area, Eti Eka Beatrice Nyiam.
