N/Assembly Committee Hails Gov Otu At Project Inspection

Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu, on Monday received praises from members of the joint National Assembly Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission at the State Executive Council Chamber in Calabar.

The lawmakers were in the state to carry out oversight of ongoing projects under the NDDC.

The delegation made up of members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives visited the state to evaluate the performance, transparency, and impact of development interventions executed through the NDDC framework in Cross River State.

While welcoming the team, Governor Otu thanked them for the visit and described their oversight function as crucial to national development.

“Let me begin by warmly welcoming this distinguished delegation and expressing my sincere appreciation for your presence here today,” he said.

“Your efforts, oversight, and commitment do not go unnoticed”, he maintained.

The governor stressed that such visits help to strengthen collaboration between federal institutions and subnational governments.

“What you are doing gives us encouragement and strengthens our own resolve to do better. Committees such as yours serve as critical instruments of accountability and progress,” he stated.

He also acknowledged the role of federal interventions in the state. “Your interventions, particularly those driven by the Federal Government, have been both timely and impactful.

” We must ensure they are sustained, properly implemented, and ultimately beneficial to our people,” he added.

Speaking on governance, Otu stressed the need for joint effort and accountability, stressing that governance is not about working in isolation but  about collective effort, mutual accountability, and delivering tangible outcomes that improve lives.

He called for a focus on results that reach citizens. “Let us remain focused on results, ensuring that policies translate into real change on the ground. Our people expect no less, and we must not let them down,” the governor said.

Earlier, chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, said the oversight was part of the committee’s constitutional mandate to assess projects and guarantee value for public funds.

“I bring you warm greetings on behalf of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

“Our objective is to ensure that interventions are not only properly implemented but are also effective, sustainable, and beneficial to the people.”

Ekpenyong commended Governor Otu for visible strides in infrastructure and economic development.

“Your leadership has demonstrated a clear sense of purpose in advancing economic development, rallying stakeholders, and sustaining engagement with resilience and conviction,” he noted.

He said the committee was encouraged by ongoing work in the state and assured of continued support.

“We are confident that even greater outcomes can be achieved. We will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to accelerate delivery, resolve constraints, and ensure that the people derive maximum benefit,” he added.

In his remarks, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Samuel Ogbuku, gave an update on project execution.

“The Commission has undertaken a 27-kilometre stretch of roads across the state, with 10.7 kilometres already completed.

“We are happy with Your Excellency’s support and collaboration,” stressing that partnership with the state government has been instrumental to the delivery.