The Northern Senatorial District of Cross River State has officially commenced its ‘Leadership for Growth and Development’ consultation tour, starting in Obanliku and Obudu Local Government Areas.
The tour, according to the organisers seeks to unify the region, deepen grassroots engagement and synchronize development priorities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The delegation which includes eminent personalities cut across the five LGAs, is made up of Chief Signor Omang Idiege (Ada Bekwarra II), Ntufam Dr. Peter Ojie, Rt. Hon. Maurice Wayas Evey, Eld. Odo Emmanuel Odo and High Chief Tony Undiandeye as the team lead.
The mission is twofold: to consolidate support for the administrations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Governor Bassey Otu and to reposition the District for sustained economic and political growth.
The delegation’s first stop in Obanliku LGA saw intensive dialogue with traditional rulers, youth groups, women associations and civil society organisations. The Secretary of Council, Dr Joseph Agba was on ground to receive the team.
While the Council expressed firm loyalty to the state and federal governments, local stakeholders presented a clear request of their needs: rehabilitation and proper staffing of the General Hospital to address healthcare, comprehensive development of Sankwala and key rural road networks like the Ablesang–Buya and Utanga Market–Bessenge II roads, restoration of the Obudu Ranch Resort to international standards accompanied by a formal proposal to rename the facility to ‘Obanliku Ranch Resort’, upgrading the Bebi Airstrip, investment in community agriculture, and increased political inclusion at the state and federal levels.
Rt. Hon. Maurice Wayas Evey, a former Speaker of the CRSHA lauded the synergy between the state and the Presidency, calling it “critical to unlocking the region’s full potentials.”
Proceeding to Obudu LGA, the team was met by a massive turnout led by the Council Chairman Hon. Peter Undiandeye, that leaders described as a ‘demonstration of unity and love.’ Addressing the crowd, High Chief Undiandeye said that the tour serves as a ‘thank you’ visit to acknowledge the developmental strides taken by Governor Otu and President Tinubu.
Leaders and representatives from Obudu, urged the state government to accelerate existing projects and enhance administrative efficiency across the district for governance efficiency.
The Paramount Ruler of Obudu, HRM Utsu Felix Ukudare, assured the team of the people’s support, noting that while traditional rulers remain non-partisan in political associations, they are vital custodians of the peace necessary for progress in the various LGAs.
The tour is not merely about infrastructure, it is an intentional repositioning of the North. By bringing together chapter chairmen, local government council chairmen, youths groups, women, faith-based organizations, community leaders and others, the delegation is building a formidable front for the years ahead.
‘This tour sets the tone for sustained engagement and responsive governance. We are transforming ideas into a shared purpose for a greener, more inclusive Cross River North’, a delegation member said.
The Leadership for Growth and Development tour which saw stakeholders like the State Legal Adviser (APC), Councillors from the two LGAs, Hon. Sunday Elam, Barr. Pius Awah, Chief Emmanuel Inakefe, Amb. George Ejikang etc, is now scheduled to move to the remaining local government areas in the North to complete its primary consultation phase.
