Former Chairman of Bakassi Local Council Area, Hon. Saviour Nyong, has appealed to the people of Bakassi to unite and support the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, in the ongoing efforts to promote peace, stability, and development in the area.
In a statement dated November 3, 2025, Nyong said unity and full support for the governor are essential for sustained growth and for resolving the long-standing Bakassi issue. He noted that no community can thrive in division and that only a united Bakassi can attract meaningful attention and intervention.
He called on all indigenes of Bakassi to give the governor their full backing, both physically and spiritually, especially concerning the unresolved matters from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that ceded parts of Bakassi.
“This is not the time for conflict or internal discord,” Nyong stated. “It is time to strengthen our bond and align with the people-first vision of Governor Otu, whose leadership clearly reflects his commitment to restoring Bakassi’s dignity.”
He said progress can only be achieved through peace and shared commitment to the common good. Nyong also pointed out that although the Green Tree Agreement, which supported the ICJ ruling, has not been ratified under Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, the Otu administration has shown sincerity and practical steps in addressing Bakassi’s challenges through diplomacy, dialogue, and development.
He commended the governor’s peaceful approach and warned against actions that could undermine these efforts, particularly lawsuits filed against state and local governments. Nyong described such litigations as setbacks that could derail the progress made so far.
“Litigation will not heal our wounds,” he said. “Dialogue, partnership, and faith in the current administration will.”
He urged the immediate withdrawal of the lawsuits in the interest of the people, stressing that peace and cooperation remain the best path toward justice and development. “Let us not allow internal disagreements to become tools in the hands of those who never truly understood our pain,” he cautioned. “Governor Otu has shown sincerity of purpose, and we must reciprocate with cooperation.”
Nyong also distanced himself from the litigations, declaring his firm support for Governor Otu and praising his leadership style marked by empathy, inclusion, and concern for displaced Bakassi communities.
He concluded by reaffirming his belief in a united Cross River State and the collective destiny of Bakassi. “Our strength lies in unity,” he said. “Only through cooperation with the present administration can we reclaim our dignity, rebuild our communities, and achieve lasting progress.”
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