Why We Endorsed Tinubu, Otu For 2nd Term - Cross River Elders

By NSAN NDOMA-NEJI, Calabar_

 Elders Advisory Council, operating under aegis of Cross River Elders Consultative Forum, has given reasons on why it endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu for second terms in 2027.

The Forum said the decision was reached at its inaugural formal meeting on Saturday at the Channel View Hotel, Calabar, after what it described as exhaustive deliberations on the state of the nation and the state.

According to the Council, the endorsement was driven by confidence in the leadership and direction of both administrations, stressing that continuity is needed to consolidate ongoing infrastructure and development efforts. As its Chairman, Chief Clement Ebri, put it, "Rome was not built in a day."

It said another reason is the need to protect the political autonomy of Cross River State. In its communiqué, the Council said it unequivocally rejects "any form of external imposition, undue political interference or attempt by individuals or interests outside the state to dictate the political choices and leadership of Cross River State."

The elders, who drew stakeholders from the three senatorial districts including Dr. Fidelis Ugbo, Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, Ntufam Col. P.A.M. Ogar (rtd.) and Eyo Nsa Whiley, insisted that choosing who governs the state remains "the prerogative of Cross Riverians."

 The Forum said it has adopted its Terms of Reference as Chief Adviser to the Government and resolved to defend the state's legitimate interests on land, resources, boundary matters, oil-producing status and resource allocation.

Former Governor and Chairman of the Council, Chief Ebri, said members were assembled as "a reservoir of wisdom" to provide counsel that is "thoughtful, objective and rooted in facts" and must remain "a reservoir of ideas and a dependable source of independent, well-informed advice."

 Earlier, Chairman of the Consultative Forum, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, said the gathering marked "the beginning of a deliberate effort" to secure a prosperous future for the state, warning against abandoning viable projects with every change of administration and urging elders to "build bridges, not barriers" across ethnic and sectional lined