By Linus Obogo
It was unshackled, uncensored, unscripted and a no holds-barred session that clearly underscored democracy in action. Venue was the Dan Archibong Lodge, Governor Bassey Otu’s temporary office, where the walls of secrecy were shattered as a battery of journalists scrutinized his administration. It was a media parley like no other.
In a fascinating showcase of leadership steeped in candour and democratic ideals, the governor orchestrated a riveting media parley, where the corridors of governance met the probing minds of the fourth estate. This unshackled engagement, rich in discourse and unbridled in scrutiny, was a testament to Governor Otu’s unyielding commitment to accountability, inclusivity, and the sacred duty of service. For choosing to appear before the press—unarmored, unreserved, and unafraid—he etched a new standard in governance, one that thrives on transparency and the fearless interrogation of power.
Like the masterful conductor of a grand symphony, Governor Otu welcomed the cacophony of questions with grace, candour and unwavering poise, ensuring that no subject, no matter how delicate, was left unexamined. The hallowed halls of democracy echoed with the voices of journalists who, unhindered and emboldened, delved into the pressing matters of the day—education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, and the intricate ballet of stakeholder engagement. In a political landscape where opacity often reigns, this act of unfiltered dialogue was a breath of fresh air, affirming that governance must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.
A defining highlight of this parley was the governor’s bold confrontation of long-standing economic enigmas—the atrophied TINAPA Business Resort, the Bakassi Deep Seaport, the once-glorious Obudu Ranch Resort, and the ambitious Obudu Cargo Airport. These towering symbols of Cross River’s economic aspirations have languished in uncertainty, yet in Governor Otu’s voice resonated a profound resolve to restore them to their rightful glory. He spoke not in vague platitudes but in deliberate, solution-driven terms, proving that for him, governance is not a theater of grand gestures but a relentless pursuit of tangible progress.
But the essence of this engagement was not merely in the answers given; it was in the spirit of genuine dialogue it fostered. Governor Otu did not merely speak—he listened. He scribbled. He absorbed the concerns, acknowledged the criticisms, and responded with the measured wisdom of a statesman who understands that leadership is not a solitary endeavor but a shared responsibility. In his interactions, you could not find the dismissiveness of an insulated politician but the sincerity of a leader who sees himself first as a servant of the people.
Yet, beyond the grandeur of governance and the weight of policy deliberations, it was the governor’s humility that shone brightest. There were no airs and graces, neither was there an aura of self-importance, no fortress of ego separating him from those who sought answers. His demeanor was warm, his reception gracious, and his willingness to embrace critique refreshing. In a clime where power often erects walls and barriers, here was a leader who mowed down barricades and built bridges instead. His accessibility was not a performance but an intrinsic quality, a reminder that the best leaders are those who walk amongst their people, not above them.
Governor Otu’s fearless embrace of public scrutiny is more than an act of governance—it is a clarion call to leadership everywhere. At a time when many in power recoil from accountability, he steps forward with audacity, unafraid to be questioned, unshaken by the truth. His engagement with the media was not an act of obligation but of conviction, a declaration that government should be an open book, not a sealed manuscript. In doing so, he has not only earned the trust of the press but has also reinforced the faith of Cross Riverians in the promise of responsible leadership.
This profound interaction was also a rallying cry to the media, a reaffirmation of their indispensable role in democracy. A free press, when met with open and responsible leadership, becomes an unstoppable force for good. His Excellency’s embrace of journalistic inquiry ensures that Cross River’s governance remains not only informed but also dynamic, propelled by the checks and balances that only a vigilant media can provide. His willingness to work alongside the press signals an administration that understands that information is not to be hoarded but shared, that truth is not to be feared but upheld.
So all things considered, in the grand tapestry of governance, this was not merely a meeting—it was a movement. Governor Bassey Otu, through his transparency, humility, and openness, has etched a legacy of leadership that is accessible, accountable, and profoundly people-centric. His words were not just heard; they resonated. His actions were not just observed; they inspired. And in the hearts of Cross Riverians , there is now a renewed assurance—not just that their governor listens, but that he acts, with courage, with integrity, and with an unyielding commitment to the common good.
Obogo is Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State
linusobogo@gmail.com
