The rally attracted political leaders, party stakeholders and supporters from across Cross River State, in what many observers viewed as one of the earliest and largest political mobilisations in the state ahead of the next election cycle.
Cross River Gratuities Received ₦10bn
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of Cross River State said the state government has already released ₦10 billion to begin the payment of gratuities owed to retirees since 2007.
According to him, additional payments are expected before the middle of 2026 as the administration intensifies efforts to clear all outstanding gratuities and improve workers’ welfare in the state.
He said the administration of Bassey Edet Otu remains committed to addressing pension and gratuity arrears while also rebuilding the state’s economy.
The Deputy Governor also reiterated the government’s commitment to reclaiming Cross River’s oil wells, describing the effort as critical to restoring the state’s economic base and improving internally generated revenue.
He praised Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention in the long-running oil well dispute involving Cross River State.
The Deputy Governor credited President Tinubu with supporting major infrastructure projects in Cross River State, including the proposed Calabar-Lagos Superhighway.
He further disclosed that the President is expected in Calabar to officially flag off the Bakassi Deep Seaport.
He urged residents of Cross River State to increase their support for the President in the next election by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards and mobilising others to participate in the electoral process.
The Deputy Governor also used the occasion to appeal for unity within the ruling party in Cross River State.
He said the Governor has advised all aspirants to remain calm and avoid unnecessary conflict, stressing that everyone has the right to contest for political office, but must do so within the framework of party unity and discipline.
In his remarks, Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff to the Governor, said the Prince Is Coming 2027 Movement was founded in 2020 as a response to what supporters saw as political injustice.
According to him, the movement was designed to promote equity, inclusive governance and grassroots mobilisation across the state.
He said the group gained popularity through empowerment programmes, financial assistance and support for small businesses and local communities.
Ironbar added that despite setbacks in previous elections, the movement continued to grow and played a major role in the 2023 victory of Bassey Edet Otu.
Also speaking at the rally, Soni Abang said Nigeria is beginning to see the impact of reforms introduced by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He described the President as a prepared leader with a clear vision for the country and argued that current economic challenges are part of a wider global situation.
According to him, there are already signs of improvement in food supply and economic stability.
He also praised the Cross River State Government for ongoing road construction, debt reduction, transport improvements and other development projects across the state.
- Ur
The rally ended with renewed calls for voter registration, grassroots mobilisation and continued support for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Leaders at the event expressed confidence that the growing structure of the Prince Is Coming 2027 Movement across Cross River State would play a major role in determining the outcome of the next general election.
