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 born 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 inclusive and visionary 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 led the party, and that is the kind of leadership that we admire and extol,” he said.
The senator went on to stress 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.” He went on to say that this kind of cooperation is a reflection of the party’s deeply ingrained culture of respect and common goals.
Ekpenyong also discussed the state of the country’s politics in general and the recent convention in particular, which he called a huge success.
He praised President Bola Tinubu for clearly and persuasively outlining the accomplishments of his administration.
He said, “Mr. President spoke to his accomplishments; it reflected that a true politician is now the president of our dear country.”
The senator traced the party’s path in the South-South, highlighting what he described as an extraordinary political shift.
“At the end of March 2023 following the general election, we had fewer numbers than we have now, but today, the story has changed significantly,” he said with obvious pride.
He claims that there has been an unheard-of surge of political affiliation in the area, which was previously underrepresented among the APC.
He said, “The South-South began with just one state, Cross River, but thanks to the efforts of our leaders and our governor, His Excellency Prince Bassey Edet Otu, we have brought in Edo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and eventually Rivers.”
The South-South is now the first geopolitical zone to be totally aligned with the APC, according to Ekpenyong, who called the development historic.
“That says a lot,” he emphasized, highlighting the importance of the change in Nigeria’s political balance.
The senator’s optimism about the party’s future revealed a shared determination among regional leaders to build on these successes.
In order to maintain Mr. President’s support and patronage, “all the zone leaders are prepared to ensure that the APC wins the South-South convincingly in 2027,” he declared.
Ekpenyong also credited strategic engagement and strong leadership for the general tranquility in the area.
“The South-South is experiencing peace for the first time in this country.” Speaking with our zone leaders and the president’s management of Nigeria’s resource base, he added, “That is leadership.”
In a personal statement, the senator conveyed his profound respect for Akak, characterizing him as a trustworthy partner and an experienced participant in the political development of the state.
“I am thrilled not only because he is a Cross Riverian but also because he is my brother.” “He has backed the state’s political system, is a good man, and is a philanthropist,” he said.
Ekpenyong praised the constitutional amendment that now allows deputies to join the National Working Committee, pointing out its strategic significance for representation.
He can speak for Cross River at that level. Ekpenyong expressed hope for the party’s future in the area, saying, “He is dependable and dependable.”
