The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has handed over eight brand-new official vehicles for paramount rulers who were yet to receive government-provided vehicles, as part of efforts to strengthen the traditional institution and enhance its role in grassroots governance.
The Governor made the handing over on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, through his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, PhD., who represented him at the Third Quarterly Meeting of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council held in Calabar.
Addressing the royal fathers, Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s recognition of the traditional institution as a critical partner in governance, describing traditional rulers as custodians of the state’s cultural heritage, guardians of community values and indispensable stakeholders in the pursuit of peace, unity and development.
He noted that the proximity of traditional rulers to the people places them in a unique position to understand the needs and challenges of their communities, stressing that any administration committed to meaningful grassroots development must recognise and harness their knowledge and influence.
The Governor emphasised that his administration’s support for the traditional institution would go beyond rhetoric to include practical interventions that address the needs and responsibilities of traditional rulers.
He explained that the provision of the seven vehicles was intended to ease the mobility challenges of the affected paramount rulers and enable them to discharge their responsibilities more effectively, particularly as their duties extend beyond their respective palaces.
On the issue of newly appointed chiefs whose appointments were yet to receive government certification, Governor Otu disclosed that he had directed the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs to coordinate the verification and processing of eligible appointments for the immediate signing and release of their certificates.
He called on traditional rulers to sustain their partnership with government by identifying community priorities, protecting public infrastructure and drawing attention to areas requiring government intervention.
Governor Otu assured the royal fathers that his administration would continue to listen to their concerns and respond with seriousness and respect.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the Governor informed the traditional rulers that his administration would soon embark on visits to their respective domains to engage with the people, present its achievements and seek another mandate for a second term.
He also appealed for support for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the various elective positions, from the State House of Assembly to the Presidency, while urging the traditional rulers to support the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term.
He urged the traditional institution to lend its voice to the national development conversation, noting that the future of the country would depend on the choices made by its citizens.
Governor Otu expressed the hope that deliberations at the quarterly meeting would produce practical resolutions capable of strengthening communities and deepening cooperation between government and the traditional institution.
The meeting provided another opportunity for the state government and traditional rulers to reaffirm their shared commitment to peace, community development and effective grassroots engagement across Cross River State.
Earlier, the chairman, Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council and paramount ruler of Abi, HRM Ovai Elder Dr. Edward Osim acknowledged the benevolence of the governor towards the traditional rulers, noting that the official vehicles are a booster for the traditional institution and an encouragement for them to do more come 2027 to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the APC across the various elective positions.
Also speaking, the paramount ruler of Obanlikwu, HRM, Amb. Dr. Uchua Amos Uyimulam Item who gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the recipients of the vehicles, appreciated the gesture of the governor, reiterating that these vehicles will ensure that they are up and about their duties as Royal fathers.
Highlights of the meeting was the official hand over of the vehicles to the traditional rulers.
