Birthday wishes are pouring in torrents for the Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu, who turns 66 on Saturday. He started the celebrations with a visit to widows in Calabar on Friday.
Among those who sent birthday wishes to him are governors of the south south region, the national vice president, South-South of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Archbishop Emmah Isong, the member representing Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr Alex Egbona.
Also, early on Saturday, the senator representing Cross River Southern senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong as well as the minister of state for industries, Senator John Owan Enoh also sent their prayers and best wishes to the governor.
The South South Governors Forum (SSGF) felicitates with our brother-Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, on his 66th birthday.
In a statement on Saturday, the SSGF Chairman and governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, described Otu as a visionary leader, committed to rewriting the developmental narrative of his state and the region.
The statement said “since assuming office two and a half years ago, Otu has breathed fresh dynamism into governance of the state through people-centric policies and projects. Governor Otu’s servant-leadership style has given Cross River a new lease of life and inspired many even beyond the state.
“While praising our colleague for his patriotism, the forum notes that Otu is a humble, compassionate and committed democrat that has prioritised the wellbeing of the people and the development of his state.
“We pray for greater grace, wisdom and divine guidance of the Almighty, and urge Otu to remain steadfast while sustaining his vision for Cross River’s economic growth and advancement.
“We assure the people of the South South region that the forum will continue to work together to sustain the tempo of collective regional development that their governors have committed themselves to.”
On his part, Isong wrote in a letter addressed to the governor, that PFN in the south-south was thankfulness to God for being faithful to him. He said the governor’s performance and actions were a testament to the fact that “when the righteous is in authority, the people rejoice.”
He prayed for God to grant the governor long life and good health, as well as rest on every side.
Egbona, whose message went viral since 1am on Saturday, prayed God to preserve the governor and continue to make him a shining light in the state.
In the birthday message, he said “What is life if it is not lived for the good of the people? What is life if it is not impactful and exemplary? Life is meant to be lived, not for oneself, but for others.
“This is the life my governor has lived in the last 66 years. This is why the people of Abi/Yakurr are celebrating him today as he turns 66. Your Excellency, may you live long and enjoy good health in the years ahead.”
On his part, Owan Enoh told the governor that his “life and leadership remain shinning examples of humility, wisdom and people-centred governance. Through your unwavering commitment to peace, development and inclusiveness, you have continued to inspire hope and progress in our state.
Ekpenyong, who also sent a prayer filled message to the governor said “may this new year of your life bring you greater wisdom, good health and divine strength as you continue to lead our dear state.”
