Ebri Applauds Otu on Governance Style, Performance

Former Governor of Cross River State and Chairman of the Elders Advisory Council, Chief Clement Ebri, has expressed strong confidence in the direction of the state under Governor Bassey Otu, declaring that the people remain “deeply appreciative of the remarkable progress recorded by the present administration” and are increasingly optimistic about the future.

Chief Ebri, speaking on behalf of elders and stakeholders in the state, said there is a growing consensus across communities that Cross River is witnessing purposeful governance marked by vision, stability, and measurable development. According to him, “Across critical sectors, the government has demonstrated purposeful leadership, steady commitment, and a clear vision for development—achievements that continue to inspire confidence and renewed hope among our people.”

He noted that what is emerging in Cross River is not merely political goodwill, but a genuine sense of public satisfaction built on visible governance outcomes. “There is a growing feeling across our state,” Ebri stated, “that Cross River is firmly on the path of restoration, growth, and greater prosperity. Confidence today is rooted not in rhetoric, but in what the people can see, feel, and experience.”

The elder statesman particularly highlighted ongoing strides toward the recovery of Cross River’s oil wells, describing the development as a defining economic milestone with transformational implications for the state’s future. “This is an issue of immense strategic and economic importance,” he said. “The progress made toward the recovery of our oil wells has rekindled optimism across Cross River and renewed belief in our economic destiny.”

Ebri said the restoration of Cross River’s full stake in its oil resources would unlock unprecedented opportunities for prosperity, infrastructure expansion, and wealth creation. “With the rightful resolution of this matter,” he declared, “Cross River stands poised to reclaim its place as a thriving economic force, an El Dorado of opportunity, growth, and abundance, for the benefit of our people and generations yet unborn.”

He also reserved warm commendation for Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the support and opportunity extended toward resolving the long-standing issue. “We wish to commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the support given toward addressing this historic matter,” Ebri said. “It is our earnest hope that the process will be brought to a just and conclusive end, so Cross River can begin fully reaping the blessings of its natural wealth.”

Speaking on the broader political future of the state, Chief Ebri emphasized that the destiny of Cross River will continue to be shaped by the collective will of its people, anchored on shared aspirations for progress, peace, and prosperity. “The future of this state,” he said, “will always be determined by Cross Riverians themselves, by our collective will, our shared hopes, and our unyielding commitment to development.”

Reaffirming his confidence in the governor’s political future, the elder statesman said the electorate would once again speak with clarity when the time comes. “The future of Cross River State belongs to Cross Riverians alone,” he stressed. “No outside hand will determine it, no external battle will define it, and no imported agenda will hijack it.”

He maintained that support for the current administration continues to deepen because citizens are witnessing governance that speaks through action. “At the appropriate time,” he said with conviction, “the government will receive overwhelming support from the people, because confidence has been built not on mere promises, but on visible progress, tangible achievements, and renewed hope for a brighter Cross River.”

According to the former governor, the prevailing mood across the state is one of quiet confidence, rising expectation, and collective resolve to sustain the momentum of development already underway. “Our people are looking ahead with hope,” he noted. “They are seeing a state steadily regaining its footing, reclaiming its promise, and moving with purpose toward a future of greater dignity, prosperity, and economic strength.”

With a stirring affirmation of faith in the state’s journey, the elder statesman declared: “As elders and stakeholders in the destiny of Cross River, we speak with conviction and absolute confidence in the leadership currently steering the affairs of our dear state. The path ahead is bright, the promise before us is great, and Cross Riverians remain united in their hope for an even greater tomorrow.”