Ijiraga community in Yala Local Government Area became a sea of solidarity on Friday as thousands of residents came out en masse to endorse the Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, PhD, for a second term in office.
The historic event was led by Ambassador Emmanuel Asegem, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Timber Control, North, a respected political leader and community mobilizer. Along with his ward, friends, and associates, he openly declared support for the Otu–Odey administration.
Chief Asegem commended Governor Otu for what he described as “impactful and people-driven leadership,” citing the governor’s ongoing electricity rehabilitation projects across rural communities, improved healthcare delivery through medical outreaches and revitalized primary health centres, support for agriculture with fertilizer distribution to farmers, prompt payment of workers’ salaries, and a renewed push for road infrastructure as key reasons for the endorsement.
The endorsement gathering featured a solemn prayer session conducted by HRH Chief Ignatius Olem, who prayed for God’s continued guidance and protection for the governor and his deputy as they pilot the affairs of the state.
The motion for endorsement was moved by the Deputy Leader of the Yala Legislative Council, Hon. Monday Ekapbi, and seconded by the Councillor representing Intrigo Ward, Hon. Joy Udama.
The event drew a roll call of political heavyweights and community leaders, including Hon. John Ulafor, Hon. Patrick Egana, and Hon. Abeng Emmanuel, who pledged total support for the Otu–Odey team, describing their leadership as “a government that listens and delivers.”
Ambassador Asegem, in his closing remarks, assured that Ijiraga and indeed Ukelle Nation would remain steadfast in supporting the administration’s second-term bid, stressing that the governor has proven himself worthy of trust through inclusive governance and tangible results.
