Mr Peter Akpanke (PDP–Cross River) has praised the performances of Governor Bassey Otu and President Bola Tinubu in their first two years in office and expressed support for their re-election bids.
Akpanke, who represents the Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, gave the commendation on Friday in Calabar during a press conference organised by the Cross River All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus in the National Assembly.
Citing their commendable achievements, Akpanke said both leaders had demonstrated visible progress that warranted his endorsement. The lawmaker, who recently defected to the APC, criticised the unresolved internal crises within the PDP and affirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote development in the state and the nation.
“I am fully in support of anything that advances the interest of our state and country,” he stated.
Senator Williams Eteng, chairman of the Cross River APC caucus, said the early endorsement was aimed at allowing both the governor and the president to focus on governance, rather than political distractions.
“Although the elections are still two years away, we believe it is important to publicly acknowledge their performance. Our governor has done remarkably well and deserves commendation,” Eteng said.
He added: “We are not mincing words we are direct in our support. Starting with Mr President, his efforts are visible and impactful, especially the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project.
“For that project alone, we support his second term to ensure its completion. We are also beneficiaries of the student loan scheme, numerous infrastructure projects, and sweeping reforms in the oil and gas sector.
“It takes bold leadership, such as President Tinubu’s, to implement such far-reaching changes. For this reason and more, we are endorsing him to be the APC’s sole candidate in the next election. Frankly, no other party should bother fielding a candidate.”
Senator Eteng, who represents Cross River Central Senatorial District, also described Governor Otu’s performance within two years as “extraordinary.”
He said the governor had not only completed many previously abandoned projects but had also initiated new ones with direct impact across the 18 local government areas of the state.
“What we’ve seen already is enough to convince us that he deserves to continue. If this is what he has accomplished in just two years, one can only imagine what more will be achieved by the end of his first term.
“We’ve witnessed significant improvements in the Government House, the state library, and the Local Government Service Commission. There are projects ongoing in every council area.
“For these reasons, we in the National Assembly believe the governor and his deputy deserve another term without undue stress.
“At the rate of progress, if they continue in this trajectory over the next six months, Cross River and indeed Nigeria will become a prime destination for investment.”
