Deputy speaker to return for second term as Bassey Otu sues for peace in Obudu

Bassey Out, governor, Cross River State, has adopted Sylvester Agabi, deputy speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, for a second term in office, urging political stakeholders in Obudu to embrace sacrifice, continuity and unity in the larger interest of the state.

Speaking during an enlarged stakeholders’ engagement with party leaders, elders, women groups and aspirants, Governor Otu said the decision was informed by the strategic importance of Obudu to the administration and the need to preserve stability within the legislature. “It is very difficult to scatter a winning team because it takes time again to build,” the governor declared, adding that “we are not ready to start teaching people again” at a critical stage of governance and institutional consolidation.

The meeting, which witnessed extensive deliberations on zoning and political succession within Obudu, saw several stakeholders defend the long-standing rotational arrangement that has guided political offices in the local government since 1999.

Boniface Eraye, former chairman, Obudu Local Government and other speakers argued that zoning had remained the foundation of peace, brotherhood and political balance within Obudu, warning against abandoning a formula that had consistently reduced conflict and guaranteed inclusiveness. “We don’t throw away a winning team,” one stakeholder stated, insisting that “what has worked for us and brought peace should not be toyed with.” Female stakeholder Agnes Atsu also appealed for greater inclusion of women in the political equation, lamenting that no woman had ever successfully represented Obudu in the State House of Assembly.

Responding to the concerns raised, Governor Otu acknowledged the legitimacy of the zoning arrangement and described himself as “a product of zoning,” but maintained that broader state interests sometimes require difficult political compromises. According to him, retaining Agabi was necessary to sustain Obudu’s current strategic advantage within government, particularly given his role as Deputy Speaker and his working relationship with the executive arm. “It would be very absurd that in Obudu we don’t have a principal officer in government,” the governor said, recalling that Agabi was elevated to the position despite not being a ranking legislator at the time because “the exigency of season and time necessitated that.” He further praised the present Assembly leadership for supporting the speedy passage of executive and people-oriented bills without friction.

Governor Otu also used the occasion to unveil broader developmental plans for Obudu, describing the area as a critical economic and tourism hub for Cross River State. He disclosed that the administration was already partnering investors to reposition the Obudu airport and strengthen infrastructure around the Obudu Mountain Resort.

Appealing for patience and understanding from aggrieved blocs and aspirants, the governor assured stakeholders that the temporary adjustment would not destroy the unity of Obudu or permanently undermine zoning. “Political offices are transient,” he said. “But if there’s something we have to do to situate our state very well, I think we should just try.” He concluded with an appeal for peace and accommodation, assuring all interests that future opportunities and political compensation would still emerge in due course.