Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to democratic principles and people-centered governance, urging citizens to actively participate in the development of the state.
Governor Otu, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, made this remark during the 2026 Democracy Day Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service held at the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, Calabar on Friday.
Speaking further, he reflected on the significance of June 12 in Nigeria’s democratic journey, describing the 1993 presidential election as a watershed moment in the nation’s history.
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He noted that patriotic Nigerians demonstrated uncommon courage and determination in their resolve to entrench democratic governance after years of military rule.
“Though their voices were abruptly muted and gagged once again by the military, the echo of their voices resonated within and in distant climes; hence June 12 remains a day never to be forgotten in the Nigerian polity,” the Governor’s message stated.
The message further recalled that Nigerians remained steadfast in their democratic aspirations and, through the 1999 elections, restored democratic governance, which has endured uninterrupted for 27 years.
Odey said Democracy Day serves as a reminder that power ultimately belongs to the people, stressing that the Otu administration’s governing philosophy, “People First,” is deeply rooted in the ideals of democracy.
According to him, every policy and programme of government is designed with the welfare of Cross Riverians at its core.
“When we construct and maintain roads, we are not merely providing infrastructure for aesthetics; we are creating opportunities for our people to pursue their daily economic activities without hindrance. When we cultivate crops at scale, including cocoa, oil palm, coffee, cassava and rice, we are not only pursuing food security but also creating limitless opportunities in agribusiness,” he stated.
The Governor’s message highlighted investments in electricity, healthcare, education, and enterprise development as key drivers of economic growth and human capital development in the state.
It also referenced the recent presentation of the administration’s three-year scorecard as evidence of transparency, accountability, and responsible governance.
Reiterating the administration’s commitment to democratic values, Odey said Governor Otu remains committed to governing based on the principles of inclusivity, rule of law, social justice, liberty, equity, and accountability.
He called on citizens to embrace the “Think Cross River” initiative, noting that sustainable development requires the collective efforts of both government and the governed.
The Deputy Governor also appealed to the Church to continue offering prayers for the government, emphasizing the need for divine wisdom and guidance in leadership.
Delivering the sermon, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Calabar, Rev. Prof. Nneoye Egbe, preached from 2 Chronicles 31:1–7, James 4:13–5:6, and Hebrews 12:28.
He emphasized the importance of gratitude, describing thanksgiving as a catalyst for divine favour and progress. He urged Christians to remain grateful for who they are, where they are, what they have, and the opportunities available to them.
Rev. Prof. Egbe commended the administration of Governor Otu for the numerous completed, ongoing, and newly awarded projects across the state, describing the Governor as “a known Christian minister whose success as governor reflects positively on Christian ministry in Nigeria.”
Reflecting on insecurity in parts of the country, the cleric announced the commencement of a three-day national mourning period declared by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
He further urged public officials to demonstrate accountability by publishing annual performance reports and called on workers to express thanksgiving through honesty, diligence, and quality service delivery.
The service was attended by government officials, political leaders, clergy, and worshippers, among others.
