Photo: Senator Ndoma-Egba, SAN
By: Edith Joseph
Cross River State governor, Bassey Edet Otu, has paid glowing tribute to former Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, on the occasion of his 70th birthday, describing him as “a towering jurist, statesman and patriot whose life has enriched both Cross River State and the Nigerian federation.”
In a congratulatory message released by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Linus Obogo, on Sunday, Governor Otu celebrated the distinguished career of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, praising his enduring contributions to lawmaking, national development and institutional leadership over several decades of public life.
“On this special milestone of your seventieth birthday, I extend my warmest felicitations to you, my dear elder brother, mentor and distinguished compatriot,” the governor said. “Your life has been a shining testament to the rare union of intellect, discipline and public virtue.”
Governor Otu noted that Ndoma-Egba’s journey from the revered ranks of the legal profession to the commanding heights of national politics represents a remarkable narrative of excellence and public service.
“From the august courts where you adorned the Bar with forensic brilliance, to the red chamber of the National Assembly where you served with dignity and commanding insight, your career has been guided by fidelity to principle and devotion to the progress of Cross River State and Nigeria,” he stated.
Ndoma-Egba, a three-term senator who represented Cross River Central Senatorial District between 2003 and 2015 in the Senate, was widely respected for his legislative depth and stabilizing influence in parliamentary debates.
Governor Otu particularly commended the elder statesman’s tenure as chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, noting that his leadership brought calm authority and institutional clarity to the interventionist agency.
“Your stewardship at the Niger Delta Development Commission bore the unmistakable imprint of wisdom, refinement of thought and steadfast patriotism,” the governor said. “You demonstrated that public office can indeed be guided by restraint, integrity and a profound sense of responsibility.”
The governor further described Ndoma-Egba as a custodian of institutional memory and a moral compass for younger generations of leaders emerging within Cross River State and beyond.
“At seventy, your legacy gleams brightly in the firmament of Nigerian public life,” Otu remarked. “You remain a beacon of statesmanship whose counsel continues to illuminate the path of responsible leadership.”
Governor Otu offered prayers for the continued wellbeing of the former senator, while reaffirming the pride of the state in his accomplishments.
“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Cross River State, I celebrate your enduring contributions and pray that Providence grants you robust health, abiding peace and many more years of sagacious guidance to our state and country,” he said. “Cross River is proud of you, and Nigeria is richer for your service.”
