Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has declared that the South-South is no longer content with merely sustaining Nigeria’s economy, insisting that the region must now assert its place at the centre of political decision-making.
He said the zone’s alignment with the Federal Government was a decisive shift from economic relevance without power to full political inclusion.
Speaking at the APC South-South Zonal Congress in Asaba, the Delta State capital, Otu said: “We cannot be the zone that lays the golden egg and then be absent where decisions are made,” drawing attention to the long-standing paradox of a resource-rich region sidelined in national governance.
Expressing excitement as the entire South-South Region finally coalesced into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the governor declared, “I stand here today as the happiest governor in the zone,” adding, “I have achieved my main objective, which is to ensure that the South-South keys into the centre of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” His words underscored what he described as a deliberate and strategic repositioning of the region.
Gov Otu stressed that the time had come for the South-South to convert its economic leverage into tangible political influence. “For too long, we have contributed immensely to the wealth of this nation without a commensurate voice in shaping its future,” he implied, reinforcing his stance that inclusion must now match contribution.
He pointed to a renewed sense of unity sweeping across the zone, declaring, “Today, we feel the energy here and know that the South-South is one and ready.” According to him, this unity is the bedrock upon which the region can now demand and exercise greater influence at the national level.
The governor aligned this aspiration with the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the partnership as both necessary and beneficial. “It would have been difficult for us if we were not in this boat,” Otu said. “Together, we are building a new Nigeria where everyone will be proud to belong.”
He further urged party faithful to sustain the momentum through discipline and accountability, warning that political inclusion must be matched with responsible leadership. “This is not just about being at the table; it is about adding value when we get there,” he said, calling for commitment from those elected at the congress.
Earlier, APC South-South leader Victor Giadom described the gathering as more than a routine congress, calling it “a renewed commitment to strengthening the party and rebuilding our social contract with the people.” He emphasised that the stakes ahead of 2027 demand cohesion and strategic focus.
Reflecting on the party’s trajectory, Giadom noted, “From controlling only one state in the region after the 2023 elections, we have witnessed significant improvement through strategic leadership and realignments.” He referenced evolving political dynamics involving figures such as Siminalayi Fubara as part of this transformation.
He credited the resurgence to a combination of federal influence and regional leadership. “Following the outstanding performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the zone,” Giadom said, “and the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, working with the Senate President and other leaders, our party has significantly improved its fortunes in the South-South.” He added confidently, “We are now united and formidable enough to secure victory in 2027.”
With Giadom’s re-election and the emergence of a new crop of zonal executives, the congress closed on a note of consolidation and resolve. Yet, beyond party structures and electoral calculations, the dominant message remained unmistakable—echoed in Otu’s resonant words: “We lay the golden egg.” Now, the South-South insists, it must also help decide how that egg is shared, managed, and sustained within the Nigerian federation.
