*By - Pastor Bill Francis Bill*
Ambassador Pastor Bill Francis Bill, Cross River APC Senior Chieftain, has called on opposition elements and those he described as Evil
enemies of progress to stop the distractions, political attacks and needless controversies and allow His Excellency, Apostle Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu, to concentrate fully on the development and transformation of Cross River State. Speaking during a media interaction, Pastor Bill maintained that Governor Otu inherited a state facing significant developmental challenges, but has embarked on a deliberate process of rebuilding, restoration and repositioning through projects and programmes across the three senatorial districts. He cited the administration’s interventions in infrastructure, empowerment, human-capital development and other sectors as evidence of a government committed to restoring the lost glory of Cross River. He therefore urged critics to engage the administration constructively rather than allowing political differences to overshadow the progress being recorded. “Cross River needs development, not distraction. Those who genuinely love this state should allow Apostle Governor Prince Otu to work, deliver and complete the transformation he has started,” he stated.
On the role of Her Excellency, Dr. Bishop Eyo-Awan Itam Prince Otu, Ambassador Pastor Bill said her steadfast support for her husband, His Excellency, Apostle Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu, throughout the difficult stages of his political journey deserves recognition and respect. He noted that genuine loyalty is demonstrated during challenging seasons, stressing that Dr. Bishop Eyo-Awan Itam Prince Otu remained beside the Governor when the political environment was uncertain and when many who are now celebrating the administration were not visible. Pastor Bill argued that people who stood by the Governor during difficult moments should not suddenly become targets of criticism simply because the administration is now recording progress. He consequently appealed to detractors to respect the Governor’s family and allow the First Lady to enjoy the fruits of the sacrifice, commitment and support she invested in her husband’s journey. “Those who stood with you when the road was difficult should not be condemned when the road finally becomes successful,” he stated.
Speaking on the Chief of Staff, Hon. Chief Emmanuel Ironba, Ambassador Pastor Bill described him as a loyal, committed and dependable member of His Excellency, Apostle Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s team, who has remained steadfast in the service of the Governor and the administration. He noted that Chief Emmanuel Ironba has endured pressure and difficult moments in the course of his responsibilities, emphasizing that loyalty and service should not be turned into political weapons. Pastor Bill stressed that the principle remains clear: “To whom much is given, much is expected; but those who stood with you when others refused to stand deserve to benefit from the fruits of their labour.” He therefore called on political opponents and detractors to allow Chief Emmanuel Ironba to discharge his responsibilities without unnecessary distractions. He concluded that Cross River State is greater than individual political interests and that every person genuinely committed to Governor Otu’s development agenda should be allowed to contribute meaningfully to the rebuilding, advancement and restoration of the state’s lost glory.
Sign..
AMBASSADOR PASTOR BILL FRANCIS BILL, CRS APC SENIOR CHIEFTAIN