The commissioning of a newly constructed culvert, on Friday, in Iyamoyong community, Obubra Local Government Area, turned into a strong political endorsement rally as leaders and residents pledged total support for Governor Bassey Edet Otu in 2027 to attract more infrastructure to the area.
The project, personally funded and delivered by the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Henry Egbe Ayuk, was described as a model of people-centred leadership and a clear reflection of the development vision of the Otu-led administration.
The Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, who personally funded and delivered the project, described the intervention as a mark of gratitude to the people for their longstanding support.
“I thank God first for the Governor for giving me the opportunity to serve. Without this appointment, I would not be here today. All the honour goes to the Governor,” Ayuk said, reaffirming his loyalty to the Otu-led administration.
He noted that the culvert would enhance mobility, boost economic activities and guarantee “economic survival” for residents, adding that leadership must be rooted in performance, not entitlement. When I serve, I serve wholeheartedly,” he said, adding that “performance remains the only basis for continued leadership.”
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Obubra Local Government Area, Kingsley Arikpo, represented by the newly elected APC Chapter Chairman, Mr. Lucky Okpechi, said the entire local government stands firmly behind the Governor and his team.
He commended Ayuk for executing the project from personal resources, noting that such commitment aligns with the Governor’s infrastructure-driven agenda. According to him, Obubra people are ready to reciprocate with overwhelming political support in 2027 to ensure sustained development.
“When the time comes, you will see us in our numbers,” he assured, emphasizing that the crowd at the event was only a fraction of the widespread grassroots backing across the local government.
Earlier, the Iyamoyong Town Council Chairman, Mr. Anthony Okpokam Etaba, described the project as a “divine intervention,” recalling how the Commissioner was moved to act after witnessing the deplorable state of the old slap during a church visit. He appealed for the rehabilitation of the two-kilometre market road and urged the Governor to extend more infrastructure to the community.
Chairman of the Iyamoyong Cyclists Unit, Eboni Irom, hailed the project as transformative for transporters and traders, while former Etung LGA Chairman, John Nkom Etuk, testified that the Commissioner was inspired to build the culvert after personally encountering the collapsed crossing.
Iyamoyong Women Leader, Madam Anthonia Ogbin, said the intervention has eased the burden on women conveying farm produce to the market, pledging unwavering support for the administration that made it possible.
Other speakers, including community leaders, youth representatives and party stakeholders, echoed the call for sustained support for the Otu administration, affirming that continued loyalty and electoral backing in 2027 would guarantee more roads, culverts and people-oriented projects across Obubra.
The ceremony concluded with the symbolic cutting of the tape and the reception of new members into the APC, further consolidating grassroots mobilisation ahead of future political contests.
Kingsley Agim/Jessica Ubi
