CODE 888 Endorses Governor Bassey Otu for Second Term, Launches ‘Complete the 8 Campaign’ in Cross River State

A political pressure group, CODE 888 (Complete the 8 Campaign), has officially endorsed the re-election bid of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, for a second term in office, citing the principles of equity, justice, fairness, and continuity in Cross River State’s political arrangement.

The endorsement was made during an official press conference held by the group, where its leaders formally unveiled the “Complete the 8 Campaign”, aimed at advocating for the Southern Senatorial District to complete eight years in office, consistent with the political rotation arrangement that has existed in the state since 1999.

Addressing journalists and stakeholders, the group noted that CODE 888 is not a political party but a pressure group committed to preserving the principles of equity, justice, and fairness that have promoted political stability and peaceful power transitions in Cross River State.

ALSOO READ: CODE888 ORGANIZATION CELEBRATE LEADERS THAT SUPPORT BACK TO SOUTH AGENDA.

According to the group, the Southern Senatorial District should be allowed to complete two constitutionally permissible terms, just as previous governors from the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts were allowed to do.

The group recalled that:

• Donald Duke from the Southern Senatorial District served from 1999 to 2007.
• Senator Liyel Imoke from the Central Senatorial District served from 2007 to 2015.
• Senator Ben Ayade from the Northern Senatorial District served from 2015 to 2023.

CODE 888 argued that allowing Governor Otu to complete eight years would preserve the political balance and inclusiveness that have defined Cross River politics for over two decades.

The group also cited several achievements of the current administration as reasons for supporting Governor Otu’s re-election.

Security Improvements

CODE 888 commended the state government’s security initiatives, particularly Operation Okwok, describing it as a community-driven policing strategy that has significantly reduced incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, cult clashes, and other forms of criminality across the state.

The group noted that the improved security situation has restored public confidence and revived nightlife and economic activities within the state.

Environmental Sanitation and Waste Management

The group further praised the administration’s efforts in restoring environmental cleanliness across Calabar and other parts of the state.

According to CODE 888, the state’s renewed focus on waste management has returned Cross River to its status as one of Nigeria’s cleanest environments.

Infrastructure Development

The pressure group highlighted ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction of critical infrastructure, including roads and government facilities such as:

• The State Library Complex
• Local Government Service Commission Complex
• Governor’s Office
• Peregrino Lodge
• Major highways and urban roads

The group described these interventions as evidence of the administration’s commitment to improving public infrastructure.

MSME Development and Economic Growth

CODE 888 also applauded the government’s support for small businesses through strategic partnerships and funding initiatives.

The group referenced the state’s partnership with the Bank of Industry, including the establishment of a ₦2 billion MSME intervention fund and the disbursement of ₦500 million to nano and micro businesses across the 18 local government areas.

These interventions, according to the group, have boosted entrepreneurship and economic growth, earning Governor Otu recognition as one of Nigeria’s leading MSME-friendly governors.

Health Sector Reforms

The group equally commended the administration’s investments in healthcare, including:

• Renovation of over 100 Primary Healthcare Centres.
• Recruitment of thousands of health workers.
• Continuous training and retraining of healthcare personnel.
• Improvements in immunisation coverage across the state.

CODE 888 Launches Statewide Advocacy Campaign

The group announced plans to embark on extensive consultations and advocacy campaigns across the state.

According to the leadership, engagements will involve:

• Traditional rulers
• Youth groups
• Women organizations
• Religious leaders
• Political stakeholders
• Community leaders across the 18 LGAs

The objective, they said, is to build public consensus around maintaining the existing rotational political arrangement that has sustained peace and unity in Cross River State.

CODE 888 emphasized that its advocacy is issue-based and not directed against any individual or political ambition.

The group urged political stakeholders and citizens to embrace peaceful democratic engagement while respecting the established principles that have fostered political stability in the state.

It further called on youths to promote justice through knowledge and dialogue rather than violence, while appealing to elders and community leaders to continue providing guidance in sustaining peace and unity.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to lawful democratic advocacy, consultations, policy dialogues, and grassroots mobilisation aimed at promoting equity, justice, and fairness in Cross River politics.