Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has described former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Essien Ekpenyong Ayi, as a distinguished statesman whose decades of public service reflect political resilience, commitment to community development and an enduring devotion to the common good.
In a goodwill message released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity and Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Linus Obogo, marking Ayi’s 70th birthday, Governor Otu celebrated the former lawmaker’s remarkable political journey, noting that his years of service across local government administration, legislative representation and sports development had earned him an important place in the political history of Cross River State. He described the septuagenarian as “an illustrious son of Cross River State whose life stands as a compelling testament to public service, political experience and an abiding commitment to the advancement of our people.”
The governor particularly acknowledged Ayi’s tenure as Chairman of Calabar South Local Government Area from 1995 to 2002, noting that his emergence and subsequent growth in public life was evidence of a longstanding commitment to grassroots governance. According to Otu, “Your journey from local government administration to the national legislature embodies dedication, experience and an enduring determination to contribute meaningfully to the development of our people.”
Otu also commended the celebrant’s two decades in the House of Representatives, where he represented Calabar South, Akpabuyo and Bakassi Federal Constituency from 2003 to 2023. He noted that such an extended period of legislative service represented a significant chapter in Ayi’s public career, adding that “your years in the National Assembly constitute an important part of your legacy of representation, political engagement and service to the people.”
Beyond politics and legislative representation, the governor acknowledged Ayi’s involvement in sports administration, including his earlier role as manager of Rovers Football Club, Calabar, and his service in the Cross River State Football Association and the Cross River State Sports Commission. Otu described these engagements as further evidence of the celebrant’s versatility and broad-based contributions, observing that “leadership finds expression in different spheres, and your involvement in sports development underscores the breadth of your public service.”
The governor further praised Ayi’s contributions to community engagement and institutional development, including his service as Secretary of the Cross River South Development Authority. He said the celebrant’s varied responsibilities reflected a career shaped by public trust and sustained participation in the affairs of the state. “Your legacy of leadership, community engagement and public-spiritedness remains an inspiration to generations of aspiring leaders who look to public office as an opportunity to serve humanity,” Otu stated.
As Ayi joins the ranks of septuagenarians, Otu urged him to regard the milestone as an opportunity to reflect on a life of service while continuing to offer his experience and wisdom to the state and the nation. He added that the celebrant’s wealth of political and administrative experience remained a valuable resource for Cross River State, particularly as it pursues inclusive development and a stronger future for its citizens.
The governor prayed that Almighty God would grant Ayi renewed strength, sound health, peace and fulfilment in the years ahead. “As you attain this remarkable milestone, I pray that God will preserve your health, replenish your strength and crown your golden years with greater wisdom, peace and happiness,” Otu said, wishing the former federal lawmaker many more fruitful years.”
