Amidst widespread rumour of Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South in the Red Chamber, seeking to unseat Governor Bassey Otu in 2027, the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, has said the Senator was not seeking Gov. Otu’s job.
Both Governor Otu and Senator Ekpenyong are from the same Odukpani local government area and are Efiks.
Speaking at his country home, Adiabo, weekend, during the annual Utomo Obong cultural festival, the Obong warned people against sowing the seed of discord among brothers and propagating falsehoods within the larger Efik nation.
The monarch said unity of purpose was essential for the socio-economic development of Cross River state.
“I’ve heard controversial talks that Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong intends to be the next governor. I don’t think this is correct. Let us desist from such misinformation which I see as unhealthy for the growth of our state.
“If you need something from either Senator Ekpenyong or Governor Otu, don’t resort to lies or conspiracies to gain favors. As Efiks, if we refuse to work together, we may find ourselves in a worse state after eight years,” he stated.
The monarch emphasised the importance of unity among Efik leaders and charged them to work collaboratively with the governor for the ultimate development of the state. The Obong prayed for continuous peace and unity, urging all Efik people to stay committed to the growth of their kingdom and state.
In his remarks, the chairman of the Obong of Calabar Executive Forum (OCEF) which organised the event, High Chief Gershom Henshaw, reminded Governor Otu of promises by successive Cross River state governors/ governments to build a befitting palace for the Efik throne.
“We plead with our amiable governor and government to please redeem this pledge within his tenure in office.
“We also use this opportunity to persuade the Cross River state government to make Efik language a compulsory subject in the local government areas where Efik language has remained the dominant means of communication as the federal government has initiated a compulsory mother-tongue language adaptation and teaching nationally,” he submitted.
