The Cross River State Elders Advisory Council has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu for second terms, while warning against any attempt by individuals or interests outside the state to dictate who governs Cross River.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued after the Council’s inaugural formal meeting held on Saturday at Channel View Hotel in Calabar.
The meeting brought together prominent Cross Riverians and elder statesmen from the three senatorial districts, with representation across the state’s political and community structures.
Among those present were Dr. Fidelis Ugbo, Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, former Military Administrator of Kwara State, Ntufam Col. P.A.M. Ogar (rtd.), and Eyo Nsa Whiley. The Council is chaired by former Cross River State Governor, Chief Clement Ebri.
According to the communiqué, the elders rejected what they described as “external imposition, undue political interference” or attempts by people and interests outside Cross River to determine the state’s political choices and leadership.
The Council maintained that the decision on who governs Cross River should remain the collective right and democratic responsibility of Cross Riverians.
At the same time, the elders endorsed President Tinubu and Governor Otu for second terms, saying the decision was based on their confidence in the leadership and direction of the two administrations.
Elders to defend Cross River’s interests
Beyond politics, the Council resolved to take a more active role in defending what it considers the legitimate interests and dignity of Cross River State.
It said it would engage on issues concerning the state’s land, resources, development, boundary matters and other collective interests.
The elders also resolved to advocate for Cross River at the national level on issues including revenue allocation, the state’s oil-producing status and regional restructuring.
The Council stressed that its interventions on such matters would be guided by facts and communicated with dignity.
Council to advise government, monitor projects
The elders also adopted their Terms of Reference as the framework for the Council’s operations, effectively positioning it as the Chief Adviser to the Cross River State Government.
Its responsibilities include providing strategic advice, monitoring government interventions, offering feedback, promoting peace and stability, advocacy and representation, advising on critical state matters, and preserving institutional memory and continuity.
The Council said it would study the socio-economic and political situation in Cross River and provide timely advice on governance, policy formulation and implementation.
It also plans to monitor government programmes down to the level of ordinary citizens, with the aim of ensuring that government interventions reflect a bottom-to-top approach.
Clement Ebri: Council must offer independent advice
Speaking at the meeting, Council Chairman and former Governor Clement Ebri said members were not selected merely because of their age or previous positions, but because of the experience and knowledge they could bring to the development of the state.
Ebri urged members to provide advice that would be thoughtful, objective and based on facts.
He cautioned that the Council should not become another political platform, insisting that it should instead serve as a reservoir of ideas and a dependable source of independent and well-informed advice.
The former governor also called on the elders to defend Cross River’s legitimate interests whenever necessary, while ensuring that the state’s voice remained guided by wisdom and dignity.
Ebri commended Governor Otu’s administration, particularly its efforts in infrastructure and other areas of development. He urged the elders to encourage programmes that were working while offering constructive advice in areas where improvements were needed.
He also appealed for patience and collective support, stressing that transforming a state requires time, sacrifice and the contribution of its people.
‘Build bridges, not barriers’
In his remarks, Chairman of the Cross River State Consultative Forum, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, described the meeting as the beginning of a deliberate effort to bring together some of the state’s experienced minds and opinion leaders to examine Cross River’s past, understand its present circumstances and help chart a progressive future.
Ekpo said the forum evolved from the Cross River South Consultative Forum established in 2023.
He said the platform was committed to constructive engagement, citizen mobilisation, effective feedback mechanisms, competent leadership succession and continuity in government projects.
He specifically warned against abandoning viable projects whenever a new administration takes over, noting that such a practice wastes public resources and can set the state backwards.
The Consultative Forum chairman urged the elders to “build bridges, not barriers” across Cross River and rise above ethnic and sectional considerations.
He called for honest, unbiased and strategic advice that would contribute to a more prosperous future for the state.
The latest endorsement comes as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the elders' declaration placing the Council publicly behind the re-election bids of both President Tinubu and Governor Otu.
The Council, however, also presented itself as an advisory and monitoring body, with a stated responsibility to provide constructive counsel and ensure that the interests of ordinary Cross Riverians remain central to governance.
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