By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
An advocacy group operating under the aegis of ‘Think Cross River’ has canvassed support of Cross Riverians for Governor Bassey Otu, to enable the governor complete the numerous developmental projects initiated by the state government, including the construction of the 11-kilometre Calabar- Adiabo-Ikoneto-Iseku-Creek Town road that will link Central and Western Calabar to Okurikang en route neighbouring Akwa Ibom State.
The group whose cardinal objective is to campaign for the good governance, unity and peace of the state, urged residents of the state to speak with one voice so that Cross River State can again return to its past glory.
Speaking on behalf of the advocacy group on Wednesday in Calabar, the leader of the group, Mr. Darlington Edem, stated that with unity, the destination of Cross River can be actualized.
He enthused, “With the 11-kilometre road, those travelling from Calabar to Akwa Ibom would spend less than an hour from Calabar.”
Stressing that upon the completion of the project, the economic fortune of the state would receive a boost, Edem added, “We are not talking about money, what we are campaigning for is the promotion of peace, unity and peaceful coexistence to make the state great.
“If we remain at peace with one another, if we love one another, if we put our weight solidly behind what the government is doing, development is bound to take place.
“If we are patriotic, we will not take up arms against our neighbours. There is no way you will see something going wrong around your neighbour’s premises and you won’t call the police.
“If we remain at peace, if we love one another, if we support what the government is doing, it will encourage the government to do more.”
The advocacy group, which is embarking on sensitization campaign to unite the state once again averred that another of their major pre-occupation is to promote the rich tourism potentials of the state as well as various business and investment opportunities that the state is endowed with.
It said, “It is our believe that our people should reciprocate what our governor is doing to reinvent our state.
“After many years of uncertainty, the governor has set aside N10 billion for payment of gratuity, he has assured us of constructing a railway line from Calabar to Obanlikwu Local Government Area and many other projects.
“With these developmental strides, our people should key in and reciprocate by being peaceful and we, in Think Cross River Initiative, will continue to work until we have the Cross River State of our dream. We commend the governor for taking bold steps in the interest of our dear state.”
