By: Maxwell Effiong
The newly constructed road in Okon Inok Community, located in the Calabar Municipality of Cross River State, has sparked widespread appreciation from residents, community leaders, and political figures.
Many have expressed gratitude to the state governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for fulfilling his campaign promises and bringing development to their doorstep.
Community Appreciation for the Governor
Mr. Inok Edim Edim, the immediate past councilor of Ward 3, could not hide his excitement, thanking the governor profusely. “Firstly, I want to say a very big thank you to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for keeping to his campaign promises,” he said.
He described the road as previously inaccessible and unmotorable but now in commendable condition, which he sees as a sign of the governor’s commitment to his people.
Other residents, like Ntufam Ayi Bassey Edim, also shared their personal experiences of how the road had improved their daily lives. “By my name, you should know that I reside around here,” he said. “This route passes through a village, so to speak. But now, with what is going on here, I find myself using this route more often. It means development has come to the grassroots level.”
Traditional Rulers and Leaders Rejoice
The village head of Okon Inok, His Royal Highness Chief Ekong Edim Ekong, also expressed gratitude. “I give thanks to Almighty God for sweet prince and the things he so does for the community. We have been suffering a lot, but God made him remember us,” he said, praying for the governor’s continued success.
Similarly, Ntufam Myke Etim, the Clan Secretary of Ikpai Ohom Qua Clan, noted that the road would significantly ease traffic congestion. “This particular road will check the traffic around Jahas on Ndidem Usang Iso. It will serve as a bypass,” he explained.
However, he also raised concerns about the durability of the road, urging the government to ensure proper construction. “The level of asphalt is not as thick as we expected. When the rain sets in, most of the neighboring buildings will be affected by the flood,” he cautioned.
Political Figures Weigh In
The immediate past All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Cross River State, Ntufam Edim Inok Ekong Edim, emphasized that the road’s construction was a direct fulfillment of the governor’s promises. “What we are seeing here is the benefit, the dividend of democracy that we expected,” he said.
He recounted how he personally took the case of Okon Inok’s bad roads to the governor, who assured him that all streets in Calabar Municipality would be tarred. “I want to thank him sincerely for keeping to his promise. I want to thank him as a proactive governor, a talk-and-do governor,” he added.
Edim went further to declare unwavering political support for Governor Otu, vowing that his community would back him in the next elections.
“This community is one of the happiest in the state because Okon Inok was remembered first. We are happy. In fact, on behalf of my community, I pass a vote of confidence on Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for 2027,” he stated firmly.
Looking Ahead: Improvements and Final Assessments
While there is widespread appreciation for the road, some believe more work remains. Edim noted that it would be premature to assess the road’s overall quality since construction was still ongoing. “It is only when they say they are finished that we can come and assess,” he said, indicating a cautious optimism.
Despite this, the road’s impact is already visible. Economic activities are expected to rise, and accessibility to essential services has improved. As one resident put it, “By the time vehicles start plying the road, economic activities will increase. It will also place food on the table for the grassroots people within and around the same area.”
In summary, the new road in Okon Inok has been met with a mix of joy, gratitude, and cautious optimism. The residents see it as a major step forward in local development, and while some have concerns about its durability, the overall sentiment is one of appreciation.
Governor Otu’s administration has, at least for now, earned the community’s trust and political support.