Photo: Barrister Akiba
Mandy Park
As Cross River State marked the 67th birthday of its Chief Servant on Sunday, tributes have continued to pour in for His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, with many describing his leadership as a season of uncommon kindness, peace and prosperity.
Leading the wave of celebration is Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, Special Adviser on General Duties to the Governor, who in a glowing birthday message, described Governor Otu as a man truly worthy of celebration and God’s gift to Cross River State.
In his message, Barrister Akiba said Governor Otu deserves everything good, positive and productive because he embodies the rarest virtues in leadership – kindness, service, and profound humility.
He maintained that Governor Otu’s administration has stood out as a beacon of inclusivity, emphasizing that his accommodating and forgiving nature has successfully united various political and social factions across Cross River State, earning him the rightful reputation of a “true unifier.”
“His Excellency (Governor Bassey Edet Otu) is an inclusive, accommodating and forgiving leader whom many rightly describe as a true unifier. Looking at his noble character and disposition, I sincerely join well-wishers at all levels to celebrate him,” Akiba stated.
According to the Special Adviser, celebrating Governor Otu is more than a birthday ritual, it is an encouragement for him to continue his lifelong mission of serving, guiding and uniting the people while preaching peace and progress under his People First mantra and Season of Sweetness agenda.
Akiba, an outspoken lawyer and grassroots mobilizer, noted that this year’s celebration of Otu’s birthday is unique in two ways. First, it comes at a time when Cross Riverians are witnessing visible transformation across sectors, from infrastructure to human capital development, and second, it serves as a prelude to the bigger celebration of the Governor’s well-deserved second term next year.
“In line with his long-standing tradition, His Excellency avoids loud celebrations. Instead, he always advises us to reach out to those in need and share the blessings of the ‘Season of Sweetness’ with the people – a trajectory we proudly continue to follow,” Akiba added.
The SA on General Duties also extended warm regards to the First Lady of Cross River State, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, and the entire first family, describing them as pillars of support to the Governor’s people-centered administration.
He prayed for the Governor’s continued ascension from greatness to greatness, in excellent health, divine speed and strength, for the prosperity of Cross River State and all Cross Riverians.
“Happy birthday, Your Excellency! May you continue to ascend from greatness to greatness in excellent health, divine speed, and strength, bringing more prosperity to Cross River State and all Cross Riverians. God bless your new age, Your Excellency!” the message concluded.
The birthday celebration of Governor Otu, known for his quiet, compassionate and consensus-building style, has once again united stakeholders across party lines, traditional institutions and youth groups, all affirming him as a man destined for the people.
