Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents the Cross River Southern Senatorial District, has given Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu high marks for what he called “exemplary leadership that birthed consensus, unity, and strategic political expansion across the South-south region.”
Speaking in the wake of the recently finished All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention, Ekpenyong praised Otu’s skillful management of party affairs, pointing out that his visionary and inclusive leadership style cleared the path for Mr. Ben Akak to emerge through a broadly acknowledged consensus.
“The unanimous agreement of a consensus was made possible by the way His Excellency, the governor, led the state and the party, and that is the kind of leadership that we admire and extol,” he said.
The senator went on to highlight how smooth the decision-making process is, characterizing it as a sign of capable and successful leadership.
He remarked, “I love the way the conversation went, very smoothly, which shows true leadership,” adding that the party’s ingrained culture of respect for one another and a same goal is reflected in this level of cooperation.
Ekpenyong also considered the state of politics in the country as a whole, citing the recent convention as a huge success.
He praised President Bola Tinubu for communicating the accomplishments of his administration with conviction and clarity.
He said, “Mr. President spoke to his accomplishments; it reflected that a true politician is now the president of our dear country.”
The senator described the party’s journey in the South-South as a “remarkable political transformation.”
“After the general election at the end of March 2023, we had fewer numbers than we have now, but today, the story has changed significantly,” he said with obvious pride.
He claims that the area, which was formerly underrepresented in the APC, has seen an extraordinary surge in political alignment.
“The South-South began with just one state, Cross River, but we have brought in Edo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and eventually Rivers thanks to the efforts of our leaders and our governor, His Excellency, Prince Bassey Edet Otu,” he said.
The South-South is now the first geopolitical region to be completely unified with the APC, according to Ekpenyong, who called the development historic.
He emphasized, “That says a lot,” highlighting the importance of the change in Nigeria’s political balance.
The senator expressed optimism about the party’s future, demonstrating the regional leaders’ shared determination to build on recent victories.
“All of the zone’s leaders are ready to make sure that the APC wins the South-South in 2027 so that we can continue to have Mr. President’s support and patronage,” he declared.
Ekpenyong also credited strategic engagement and strong leadership for the region’s general tranquility.
The South-South is experiencing peace for the first time in this nation. Speaking with our leaders in the region and the way the president has handled Nigeria’s resource base, that is leadership,” he stated.
In a personal statement, the senator conveyed his profound respect for Akak, characterizing him as a trustworthy partner and seasoned participant in the political development of the state.
“I am thrilled because he is my brother, not merely because he is a Cross Riverian. He said, “He is a good man, a philanthropist, and someone who has supported the state’s political system.”
Ekpenyong noted the strategic significance of representation and praised the constitutional revision that now allows deputies to join the National Working Committee.
He can represent Cross River at that level. Ekpenyong expressed hope for the party’s future in the area, saying, “He is trustworthy and dependable.”
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