APC Guber Primaries: Ex-Gov Ebri Hails Otu’s Victory, Urges Unity for Greater C’River

By Dianabasi Effiong

The Chairman of the Cross River State Elders Advisory Council, Chief Clement Ebri, has congratulated Governor Bassey Edet Otu on his emphatic victory at the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the outcome as “a profound endorsement of purposeful leadership and a loud vote of confidence in the governor whose heart beats genuinely for the people.”

He made this known in his congratulatory message obtained on Tuesday.

Chief Ebri, a one-time civilian governor of the state, said the victory reflected the trust Cross Riverians placed in Gov. Otu’s administration and its vision for a stronger, more prosperous state.

According to the elder statesman, Governor Otu’s emergence as the party’s standard bearer for a second term is neither accidental nor ceremonial, but the natural consequence of what he described as “a government driven by compassion, inclusiveness, humility, and a sincere commitment to rebuilding public faith in governance.”

He stated that the governor had, within a relatively short period, rekindled hope across communities and restored confidence in leadership through policies and programmes tailored toward human capital development, infrastructure renewal, agricultural expansion, and social stability.

Chief Ebri further stated that Gov. Otu had demonstrated uncommon calmness, maturity, and vision in the management of state affairs, qualities he said had endeared him to party faithful and the wider populace.

Ebri said, “Leadership is not measured merely by power, but by the ability to inspire hope, unify diverse interests, and create pathways for collective advancement. Senator Bassey Otu has shown admirable restraint, wisdom, and humanity in the discharge of his duties, and Cross Riverians have responded with overwhelming solidarity.’

The former governor described the victory as “a defining moment in the political evolution of Cross River State,” adding that it offers an opportunity for continuity in governance and consolidation of ongoing developmental strides.

“This victory belongs not only to Governor Otu, but to every citizen who desires peace, growth, stability, and sustainable progress. It is a triumph of vision over division, of service over self-interest, and of hope over uncertainty,” Chief Ebri said.

He urged members of the party to close ranks and move forward with a shared sense of purpose ahead of the next electoral phase.

Chief Ebri particularly appealed to politicians and aspirants who were unable to secure opportunities for a return to office not to allow disappointment breed resentment or division within the party.

The former governor also urged them to embrace the larger vision of collective progress and continue contributing meaningfully to the growth of the state.

“Politics must never become an arena of bitterness. Leadership opportunities may differ in timing and circumstance, but the destiny of Cross River remains bigger than individual ambitions.

“Those who could not return for a second term must not despair; rather, they should lend their strength, ideas, and support to the Governor for the good of our dear state,” Ebri said.

Recalling an age-old Ethiopian proverb, Chief Ebri stressed the importance of unity and collective resolve in the pursuit of development.

He stated, “As the Ethiopian wisdom says, ‘When cobwebs unite, they can tie a lion,’ That timeless saying reminds us that even the seemingly weak can accomplish extraordinary things when bound together by a common purpose. Cross River cannot afford disunity at a time when the state stands on the threshold of greater possibilities.

“This is the moment for collaboration, sacrifice, and unyielding support for the leadership that the people have chosen.”

Ebri expressed optimism that Gov. Otu’s second-term would usher in a deeper era of transformation and prosperity for the state.

“I firmly believe that the years ahead hold even greater promise for Cross River State. With the continued support of the people, Governor Bassey Edet Otu will further expand the frontiers of development, strengthen institutions, empower communities, and leave behind a legacy of peace, progress, and shared prosperity.

“This victory is not merely political; it is symbolic of a people united by hope and inspired by the possibilities of a brighter tomorrow,” he said.