….as Governor Vows to pay 2nd tranche of Gratuity before December

By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR

The Cross River State Elders’ Forum has thrown its weight behind Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s second-term ambition, citing his strides in security, healthcare and infrastructure.

Also, the Governor announced plans to release the next tranche of retirees’ gratuities before December.

The endorsement was contained in an address by the Forum’s Chairman, Colonel Pam Ogar( Retd), former Military Administrator of Kwara State, during a courtesy visit to the Governor at the State Executive Council Chamber, Calabar, on Thursday.

Ogar said the Forum’s decision followed a careful review of the administration’s performance.

“The Forum hereby expresses its confidence in your administration and accordingly, wholeheartedly encourages you to present yourself for a second term in office,” he declared.

He added that a second tenure would allow governor Otu “consolidate the gains already recorded, complete the numerous developmental programmes initiated under his administration and complete the uncompleted programmes initiated by your predecessor in office.

The elders commended the Governor’s “People First” philosophy, pointing to the Cross River State Public Complaints Office and the Cross River State Live platform as evidence of his responsiveness to citizens.

They also lauded health sector reforms, particularly the upgrade of nursing schools to Colleges of Nursing in Obudu, Ogoja, Itigidi and Calabar.

On security, the Forum praised efforts to curb robbery and kidnapping but urged tighter action against cattle grazers, illegal settlements and iron scavengers in Obanliku, Obudu, Ogoja, Ikom and Obubra.

The elders, however, appealed for faster payment of outstanding gratuities and pensions.

“It is our passionate appeal that government take a serious look into this problem to ameliorate the sufferings of retirees,” Ogar said,

While also urging the Governor to prioritise industrialisation in a second term.

“Cross River must move beyond consumption to production, value addition, job creation and sustainable economic growth,” he added.

Responding, Governor Otu described the elders’ visit and counsel as invaluable.

“When I look at the faces here, I see people who have reached the peak in their different professions and who have had experiences which we still need in terms of nation-building and state-building,” he said.

On retirees’ benefits, Otu disclosed that government had commenced arrangements to release the next tranche of gratuity before December, assuring continued commitment to clearing the backlog.

He also addressed the state’s push to reclaim its oil-producing assets, stressing intergenerational responsibility.

“These things were created by God and the universe. We take care of it and then hand it over to the next generation,” he said.