Cross River State governor, Bassey Otu, Friday, called for unity, reconciliation, and sustained commitment to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the conclusion of the party’s primaries and unveiling of candidates at the APC Secretariat in Calabar.
Addressing party leaders, aspirants, delegates, and supporters shortly after the exercise, the governor described the primaries as a demonstration of democratic maturity and urged members to place the collective interest of the party and the state above personal ambition.
Senator Otu, while thanking party faithful for their steadfast support, said his administration came into office with a clear mission to build enduring institutions and stabilise the state economically and politically.
“I did not come to govern North or South. I came to lay a solid foundation for proper economic stability and independence on the sovereign power of the state,” the governor declared.
He added that despite prevailing challenges, the administration has made significant progress in several sectors and remains committed to sustaining people-oriented governance.
Reflecting on the just-concluded primaries, the governor acknowledged that managing political ambition remains one of the most difficult aspects of democratic leadership.
He commended all aspirants who participated in the contest, particularly those who accepted the outcome in good faith.
“The most difficult activity in politics is how to manage human ambition,” he said. “I want to thank all those who fought to the limit and still showed maturity and respect for the party.
Leadership positions come at different times for different people, and every one of us has their time.”
The Governor appealed to aggrieved party members not to allow temporary disappointment to degenerate into bitterness or division, insisting that the APC possesses adequate internal mechanisms to resolve disputes.
“There is no better platform than this party,” he stated. “If there are grievances, the party has the capacity to handle such matters. We will talk together, resolve issues together, and continue to move forward together.”
He assured stakeholders that no loyal party member would be abandoned, revealing plans to convene meetings with all aspirants after the forthcoming presidential exercise.
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In a passionate appeal to younger politicians and emerging leaders, Senator Otu cautioned against desperation and unhealthy political rivalry, urging them instead to patiently understudy the principles and discipline of leadership.
“You do not come into politics to become a big man overnight,” he said.
“Go and wait for your time. Study the rudiments of politics, remain faithful to the struggle, and your opportunity will come.”
He warned against dragging supporters into needless political conflicts, stressing that ambition must never supersede the peace and future of the state.
Speaking on governance and continuity, the governor emphasized that his administration is focused on completing projects, strengthening institutions, and implementing policies that would endure beyond the present generation.
According to him, governance must transcend personalities and be anchored on sustainable systems capable of guaranteeing long-term development.
“We want to complete laws, complete bills, and establish structures that will guide the future of our generation,” he said. “If we fail to build enduring systems, then we have done nothing.”
Otu also used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and broad political accommodation within the APC family. “There is enough room to accommodate everybody in this party,” he said.
“We are willing and ready to work with everyone.” He assured supporters who did not emerge victorious in the primaries that politics is a continuous process and that opportunities for service would still arise in the future.
“You have lost nothing,” the Governor declared. “God’s time remains the best, and leadership is ultimately a trust from God and the people.”
On broader national issues, the governor called for continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as a courageous reformer committed to rebuilding Nigeria’s economy and institutions.
Acknowledging current economic difficulties facing citizens, Senator Otu maintained that the ongoing reforms were necessary for long-term national recovery.
“Nigeria was not built in a day, and no nation develops without sacrifice, organization, and discipline,” he stated.
He also commended security agencies and the military for their efforts in safeguarding the country and urged them to remain steadfast in the discharge of their duties.
The governor congratulated all successful candidates who emerged from the APC primaries and charged them to approach leadership with humility, accountability, and a genuine spirit of service.
“You were chosen not because you are better than others, but because the people and God have given you this responsibility for now,” he said. “If you do not account to man, you will account to God.”
He urged party members to remain united ahead of future political engagements, expressing confidence that the APC would emerge stronger, more cohesive, and better positioned to consolidate development in Cross River State and across Nigeria.
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