BB Babes: Hon. Nkoyo Otu Flags Off New Name for Women’s Wing at Bassey Akiba’s Defection Event
On December 9th, 2024, a significant political event unfolded at the Cultural Center in Cross River State as Rep. Bassey Akiba, representing Calabar Municipal and Odukpani Local Government Areas, officially defected from the Labour Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection was marked by the gathering of over 8,000 Cross Riverians, many of whom followed him in his political journey, including a notable group of women who have been a cornerstone of his support base.
This women’s group, initially known as AKB Babes, has been pivotal in mobilizing support for Rep. Bassey Akiba, playing an essential role in his political campaigns. However, with the change in political allegiance, it was time for a fresh identity that reflects the strength of the movement and the leadership driving it.
During the event, Hon. Nkoyo Otu, the Special Adviser on Inter-Party Affairs to the Governor of Cross River State and the Director-General of AKB Babes, officially unveiled the new name for the women’s group. From that moment onward, AKB Babes was rebranded as BB Babes.
The new name, BB Babes, is a combination of the initials of two key political figures leading the success of Cross River State and the Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Local Government Areas: Bassey (from Bassey Akiba) and Bassey (from Bassey Otu). This new identity symbolizes the unity and vision of both leaders as they chart a new political course for the region.
In her opening speech, Hon. Nkoyo Otu called on Mrs. Asi Bassey Akiba, the wife of Rep. Bassey Akiba, to join the women in celebration of the group’s transformation. She expressed her deep appreciation to the Governor of Cross River State, the members of the House of Representatives, APC party leaders, and other dignitaries in attendance.
Hon. Otu Also Appreciate the Wife of the Governor Bishop Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu for always making women of Cross River State happy with her various outreach from Equiping the school children,empowerment,Free health care outreach and encouraging women in politics
Hon. Otu while speaking further reassured Rep. Akiba and APC leaders of her commitment to working closely with them, emphasizing her determination to stand with the party and contribute to its growth and success in the region.
Mrs. Asi Bassey Akiba, in her speech, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the women of Odukpani and Calabar Municipal for their unwavering support, both during her husband’s time in the Labour Party and now as he transitions to the APC. She noted that the support from the women had not only remained steadfast but had doubled since the defection.
Mrs. Akiba also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between her office and that of the First Lady of Cross River State, further strengthening the ties between the women’s leadership in the state.
In conclusion, Mrs. Bassey Akiba extended her appreciation to Rep. Bassey Akiba, the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Julius Ihonbere, and other key APC stakeholders present at the event. Their support and leadership, she stated, would be instrumental in moving the APC forward and ensuring its continued success.
The event was a pivotal moment in Cross River State politics, signaling a new era for the APC and its supporters, particularly the women who have been central to the party’s mobilization efforts. With the unveiling of the BB Babes group, the momentum of Rep. Bassey Akiba’s political journey is set to grow even stronger, as both men and women rally behind the vision of progress and unity for the region.
