The Neighbor2Neighbor Network 4 Sweet Prince Political Network has declared its support for the re-election of Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, in the 2027 governorship election, following a statewide grassroots engagement across the state’s 18 local government areas.
The network’s Director-General, Hon. Bobby Effiom Ekpenyong, Ph.D., FNACSPM, made the declaration on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, during a world press conference at the Ernest Etim-Bassey Press Centre, Calabar.
Ekpenyong said the network’s statewide tour, which commenced on August 23, 2026, was designed to assess development projects, engage residents and gather firsthand feedback on the impact of government policies and programmes.
He said the exercise revealed both encouraging developments and citizens’ expectations concerning employment, infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic opportunities.
Neighbor2Neighbor Network Explains Mission and Targets One Million Votes
Ekpenyong described Neighbor2Neighbor 4 Sweet Prince Political Network as a grassroots political support organisation committed to promoting Governor Otu’s leadership and the administration’s People First agenda.
According to him, the network operates across Cross River State’s three senatorial districts and 18 local government areas, using community outreach, political sensitisation and stakeholder engagement to strengthen connections between leadership and citizens.
He said the organisation was targeting more than one million votes in support of the political direction it advocates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The director-general added that the network would pursue its objective through peaceful mobilisation, issue-based advocacy and democratic participation, while respecting the right of eligible voters to make independent electoral choices.
Statewide Tour Highlights Development Projects
Speaking on the findings from the tour, Ekpenyong said members visited communities, interacted with residents and observed infrastructure projects and other development initiatives.
He said the network observed road construction and rehabilitation efforts, government infrastructure projects and renewed attention to public assets.
Among the projects highlighted was the Obudu International Cargo and Passenger Airport. The network’s press statement described the project as approximately 95 per cent complete, although the Cross River State Government had reported different completion figures at various stages of construction.
In June 2026, the state government reported that the airport’s overall completion level was about 80 per cent, while an August report put it at approximately 85 per cent.
Ekpenyong also cited progress on the Governor’s Lodge and Presidential Residence in Ogoja, alongside road projects across the state’s three senatorial districts.
He said the projects had the potential to improve connectivity, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, strengthen access to essential services and stimulate economic activities.
However, he stressed that the long-term value of infrastructure depended on timely completion, quality construction, accessibility and effective maintenance.
Neighbor2Neighbor Network Commends Completion of Local Government Service Commission Complex
The group also highlighted the completion and commissioning of the Local Government Service Commission Complex in Calabar.
Ekpenyong said the facility, which had remained unfinished for several years, was completed under the present administration and commissioned in May 2025.
He described investment in public institutions as important to strengthening administrative efficiency, improving coordination and supporting service delivery at the grassroots.
The network urged the government to sustain investment in public institutions while ensuring effective management and accountability.
Employment Remains a Major Public Concern
The network identified unemployment as one of the major concerns raised during its engagements with residents, particularly young people and graduates seeking opportunities.
Ekpenyong referred to reported recruitment exercises involving thousands of workers across the state’s local government areas and the state civil and public service.
He said employment opportunities could improve household welfare, promote financial independence and enable young people to contribute more meaningfully to economic development.
The group called on the state government to sustain transparent recruitment processes, support entrepreneurship, attract private investment and expand access to sustainable jobs across all 18 local government areas.
It also emphasised the need for recruitment procedures to be transparent and consistent with established regulations.
Cross River’s Oil-Producing Status: Network Urges Continued Engagement
Ekpenyong also addressed Cross River State’s longstanding quest for recognition as an oil-producing state and access to the associated derivation revenue.
He commended the administration for pursuing the matter through engagement with relevant federal institutions and technical processes.
However, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) announced in September 2026 that it had discarded an earlier draft verification report and reopened the process for verifying disputed and newly drilled oil and gas wells following complaints from affected states.
The network urged the state government to sustain its engagement with the relevant authorities until the outstanding technical and administrative issues are resolved.
It said a favourable outcome could create additional fiscal opportunities for Cross River State, potentially supporting investment in infrastructure, healthcare, education and other essential services.
Residents Call for More Jobs, Better Roads and Improved Services
According to Ekpenyong, the network’s interactions revealed expressions of appreciation for some government initiatives, alongside calls for improved roads, healthcare, educational facilities and broader economic opportunities.
He said residents also referred to public assets, including the Cross River State Library, Cultural Centre and Tinapa Business Resort, while emphasising the need for sustained attention to public infrastructure and economic development.
The director-general said the feedback demonstrated the importance of direct communication between government and communities.
He maintained that development should be assessed not only by announced projects but also by their completion, functionality and impact on people’s daily lives.
The network urged the administration to ensure that development initiatives benefit communities across the three senatorial districts, irrespective of political affiliation or geographical location.
Network Backs Otu for Second Term
In its political assessment, Neighbor2Neighbor 4 Sweet Prince Political Network declared its support for Governor Otu’s re-election bid, arguing that continuity would enable the administration to consolidate its development agenda.
Ekpenyong said the group believed the governor’s People First philosophy provided a foundation for further development and called on Cross Riverians to examine the records, policies and programmes of candidates ahead of the 2027 election.
The network also expressed reservations about the preparedness of the PDP governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, to govern the state. These remarks represented the political organisation’s position and were not an independent assessment of the candidate’s capacity.
Ekpenyong urged political parties and aspirants to focus on verifiable records, practical policy proposals, infrastructure, security, healthcare, education and economic development.
He said the network would continue its grassroots mobilisation and advocacy while encouraging peaceful political engagement and respect for voters’ independent choices.
Network Gives Priorities for Otu Administration
The organisation urged Governor Otu’s administration to sustain ongoing development efforts and pay particular attention to the following areas:
- Completing ongoing infrastructure projects and maintaining existing roads.
- Reviving industries and public assets to stimulate economic activity.
- Expanding youth employment, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship opportunities.
- Improving education and healthcare delivery.
- Promoting investment across the three senatorial districts.
- Ensuring equitable development across all 18 local government areas.
- Maintaining regular engagement with communities to identify needs and assess the impact of government policies.
Ekpenyong said the success of the People First agenda would ultimately depend on its impact on residents’ lives and the administration’s ability to respond to citizens’ expectations.
Conclusion
The Neighbor2Neighbor 4 Sweet Prince Political Network says its statewide tour has reinforced its commitment to grassroots engagement and its support for Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s second-term ambition.
While commending projects and initiatives highlighted during the tour, the group acknowledged public expectations concerning employment, infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic inclusion.
As Cross River State approaches the 2027 general elections, the network says it will continue to mobilise support through community outreach, issue-based advocacy and peaceful democratic participation.
The organisation’s position is that sustained engagement, accountable governance and measurable development outcomes will remain central to its political message to Cross Riverians.
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