Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff to Bassey Edet Otu, has said that the “Prince Is Coming” movement was never created as an ordinary political slogan, but as a strategic platform to address what supporters saw as political injustice against the governor.
According to Emmanuel Ironbar, the slogan “Prince Is Coming,” conceived and launched in 2015, emerged after Bassey Edet Otu was denied the opportunity to return to the Senate for a second term despite what supporters described as his strong performance and popularity.
He said a similar experience was repeated in 2019, further strengthening the resolve of those who believed in the governor’s leadership.
Ironbar said Bassey Edet Otu introduced a new culture of grassroots politics during his first tenure in the Senate in 2011.
According to him, the governor brought the idea of empowerment directly to constituents in the Southern Senatorial District through practical support programmes.
He said the Calabar Municipal Council Grounds became the symbol of that political culture, where thousands of constituents received various forms of support including cars, plots of land, motorcycles, tricycles, salon equipment, garri processing machines, sewing machines, mini printing machines, palm oil processing machines and business start-up capital.
Ironbar noted that this style of representation significantly increased Otu’s political profile across the state but also generated resistance from political opponents, leading to what he described as his political obstruction in 2015.
Despite the setbacks of 2015 and 2019, the Prince Is Coming Movement remained active.
Ironbar said the movement returned to the grassroots, restructured its operations and intensified engagement with stakeholders who believed in equity, fairness and inclusive governance.
By 2023, he said, the movement had grown stronger and more organised, promoting a message of peace, justice, political inclusion and fairness.
The Chief of Staff described the 2023 governorship election as a defining moment for the movement.
According to him, despite earlier political disappointments, the sustained mobilisation of supporters across communities eventually led to the election of Bassey Edet Otu as Governor of Cross River State.
He acknowledged that some loyal supporters of the movement have already been recognised through appointments and empowerment opportunities, while others are still waiting.
“To those who are yet to be recognised, the Governor’s word is his bond,” Ironbar said, assuring supporters that more opportunities for inclusion and reward would come.
Ironbar also highlighted several projects and policies which he said demonstrate the commitment of both Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Bassey Edet Otu to the development of Cross River State.
Among the projects listed were:
- The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
- The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone along Tinapa Road in Calabar
- Final approval for the Bakassi Deep Seaport
- The establishment of Nigerian Education Loan Fund
- The creation of the South South Development Commission
- Increased federal allocations to states
- Expansion of agricultural support through tractors and smallholder schemes
- Urban renewal projects, roads, electricity, parks and recreational facilities
- Renovation of Obudu Ranch Resort
- Reactivation of Tinapa Business and Resort Limited
- Free healthcare for pregnant women and children
- Construction of the General Hospital in Ikom
- Expansion of primary healthcare centres across the state
- Recovery of Cross River oil wells and discovery of new reserves
- Upgrading of the College of Education Awi into a university
- Conversion of the College of Agriculture Obubra into a University of Agriculture, Science and Technology
Looking ahead to the 2027 political season, Ironbar said the movement’s message remains clear: “The Prince Is Coming Again.”
He called on supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation, carry out door-to-door campaigns and remain united in order to secure another victory for Bassey Edet Otu in 2027.
He also reaffirmed the movement’s support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu for another term as President.
Ironbar stressed that the Prince Is Coming Movement is committed to peaceful, issue-based politics.
According to him, the movement rejects slander, misinformation and personal attacks, and instead encourages constructive engagement and fact-based political discussions.
The Chief of Staff concluded by urging supporters to endorse Bassey Edet Otu as the sole governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said unity, discipline and sustained mobilisation would be critical to ensuring victory for the governor and the ruling party in Cross River State.
