REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, THE GOVERNOR – SEN. PRINCE BASSEY EDET OTU ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2023 “UTOMO OBONG EFIK”, AT THE PALACE OF THE OBONG OF CALABAR, 23RD DECEMBER, 2023.
Protocol.
The confederacy of the Twelve Clans of the Efiks to form the Efik Kingdom with linguistic similarity and shared ascendancy makes the Kingdom to be one of the most vibrant and enduing ethnic nationalities in Nigeria. The traditional stool of the Patriarch of the Efiks and Obong of Calabar is therefore regarded as one of the most revered and protected thrones in the world. The traditional home-coming to pay homage to this Treaty King by his subjects is borne out of loyalty, solidarity, love, legitimacy and acceptance of the Obong of Calabar as a symbol of unity for the Efiks World-wide.
Permit me at this juncture to acknowledge the foresight of the Obong of Calabar Executive Forum (OCEC) of the Palace of Obong of Calabar which in 2012 mid-wifed the rebirth of this event in the modern history of the Efiks. I equally salute their courage and tenacity in nurturing this event to its 12th edition this year. For the Twelve Efik Clans to pay homage to their king on the 12th edition of the Utomo Obong Efik in a symbolic occurrence and as a Prince of the Efiks, I count myself blessed and privileged to be at the helm of affairs in the State in a time like this.
Today’s event has also erased the unpleasant memories of our recent past in regards to ascendancy to revered stool of the Obong of Calabar. I am therefore restrained by the royal blood in me not to dwell on such negativity; rather to thank our royal fathers, eminent sons and daughters of the Efik Kingdom for the steadfast love they have for their tradition which dates centuries back. The present Monarch of the Efik Kingdom – His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V is a man of peace and the custodian of the ethos of the Efiks. I therefore have no doubt in my mind that his reign shall continue to bring enduring peace and development to the land. May I also place it on record that, since my assumption of office as the Governor of Cross River State and one of your sons, the city of Calabar is fast regaining its world-known characteristics of clean and green, aesthetics, godliness, vibrancy etc.
We have declared total war on potholes on our roads and streets, concrete-paved streets, street lights, parks and recreational facilities are undergoing major construction and rehabilitation. As a development agent by conviction, I am obliged to restore our motherland to its glory. This development stride is not limited to the State Capital - Calabar, but spread across the State. It’s barely six months I have been in office, so expect more development to be unleashed in the coming years; God willing.
Meanwhile, it is one thing to have lofty ideas on how to run a State, and another thing to have the people’s buy-in and goodwill to achieve your goal. So, I call on Efik sons and daughters to give me their total support in every shade and form to make my tenure a huge success. At the end we will have cause to thank God.
To other Cross riverians and residents alike, I enjoin you to work with me cooperatively to move the State to the level of development we will all be proud of at the end.
The many cultural dances native to the Efiks, the traditional cuisines and the warm hospitality of the Efik Kingdom must be protected for posterity.
Etiaooo, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V (with head bowed)
Oyei Bari, Efik Eburutu !
Oyei Bari Ima !
Oyei Bari Uforo!
Ooohoho!
