Victor Akam

20/12/2022

Loved by God

05/11/2022

Sweet Prince's charm captures hearts, dislocates political equilibrium

By Ntui Effiong

"My politics are short and sweet like the old woman's dance", says Abraham Lincoln.

In Cross River state, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, mirrors Lincoln's thoughts. Senator Otu is a man of measured words and also a man of the people.

Like an old wine, his politics gets better with age and with an increased magnetive effects. In the run-up to next year's guber election, he is on a charm offensive and you cannot resist his persona.

The love he exudes and the support he receives are eye-popping. The exhilarating Otu persona runs deep in the subconscious of Cross Riverians.

Senator Otu, over the years, through his ceaseless philanthropy, benevolence and kindness to the masses of Cross River, planted enduring love and affection in hearts and souls of many.

The empowerment which virtually every politician in Nigeria today dispenses to their constituents was probably the brainchild of Senator Otu, a practice he started even before going to the House of Reps and the Senate.

His selflessness is aptly captured in this Efik expression, "ono owo mkpo nte edim obong okom” (he gives like rain).

Indeed, originally known as the sweet prince, Senator Otu is now referred to as the " Sweetest Prince" by his teeming admirers and supporters.

Consequently, from the iconic undulating hills of the Northern Cross River to the rainforests of the Central and the South, the refrain on every lip, including those of traditional rulers, is Otu and his impending governorship. No one wants to hear anything to the contrary.

For example, for the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, "Sen. Bassey Otu is my beloved son. And that is why I am saying that come 2023, it is back to the south and I am confident that Sen. Otu will emerge governor.”

And from the paramount ruler of the Yakurr nation in Central Cross River, Obol Lopon, to Prince Otu: "Even without seeing you, we have already adopted you as the next governor of Cross River state"

The APC governorship candidate's state-wide popularity and acceptance are unparalleled. It is like a sweeping tornado that pulls down every obstacle in its way.

His presence at any occasion or gathering produces electrifying effects and sends his audience into a frenzy with thunderous chants of support.

Such played out during his recent thank-you tour of Cross River's 18 local government areas. At every stop, the welcome was tumultuous and the effusive show of support suffocating.

He is loved, adored and respected by millions of Cross Riverians across political, ethnic and ideological spectrum, including the ordinary folks in hamlets and villages.

Otu's governorship ambition has clinically reconfigured Cross River's political firmament. Never before in the political history of the state has the governorship candidate of a political party become a nest for chieftains and supporters of opposing parties.

He has emerged as a candidate for all and is receiving support across party divides.

His support base straddles parties. In the PDP and Labour party, for example, the mantra of a plethora of chieftains who are rooting for Otu rather than their candidates are "think Cross River, think Otu", dream Cross River, Vote Otu" respectively.

Notedly, Otu's emergence as the APC flag bearer has ultimately caused an untold haemorrhage in the PDP. Many who defected to the APC in the wake of his emergence did so majorly to drive his ambition. Some others who stayed put are currently working, not for their governorship candidates but for Otu.

His Calabar and Abuja residences are a mecca of sorts for opposition politicians coming to pledge their support.

The rock-solid support he enjoys is such that for the fact that in politics nothing is to be taken for granted, Prince Otu could as well be described as governor-in waiting.

He is on the cusp of overwhelming victory because from every barometer, the calculations and permutations favour him.

Suave, soft-spoken and cerebral, the Sweetest Prince possesses a calm mien and has a lovable personality with an electrifying presence. He is likeable, he is not magisterial but accessible; Otu is humble and unassuming.

He rises above the fray to stamp competency and accomplishment in the position he had held. Indeed, Prince Otu's crowning next February is a fait accompli.

29/10/2022

The kind of gift I need right now

10/10/2022

AT EIDEL-MAULID Felicitations from all of us at Prince Otu Media.

Ensure you treat yourself to a ram suya tonight.

10/10/2022