CALABAR — In a significant move aimed at driving inclusive development and reinforcing institutional reform, Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State has signed nine strategic bills into law. The signing ceremony, held at the Government House in Calabar on Monday, was accompanied by a resounding endorsement from the Cross River State House of Assembly, solidifying his growing momentum ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial race.

The endorsement, led by the Speaker of the 10th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, came as the legislative arm passed a unanimous motion commending the Governor’s two-year track record and formally backing him for a second term.

“Your leadership has been exemplary,” said Speaker Ayambem. “In just two years, the 10th Assembly has passed 30 bills and 87 resolutions, with more than half already implemented. The 9th Assembly couldn’t match that. We are proud of what we’ve achieved together and fully endorse your re-election.”

The endorsement motion was moved by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Sylvester Agabi and seconded by the Deputy Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Davis Ettah. The show of unity between the legislative and executive arms underscores a seamless governance partnership rarely seen in recent state politics.

Laws that Reshape the State

The nine laws signed by Governor Otu span sectors crucial to the state’s socioeconomic revival, water supply, emergency services, security, health, infrastructure, archives, and environmental sustainability.

Among the landmark pieces of legislation is The Cross River State Water Supply and Sanitation Law No. 5, 2025, which enshrines citizens’ right to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. The law also introduces a comprehensive regulatory framework to govern this essential sector.

Also signed was The Cross River State Fire Fighting and Rescue Service Law No. 4, 2024, a statute that expands emergency response operations while helping boost the state’s internally generated revenue. Governor Otu revealed that three new fire trucks had already been procured under this initiative.

On the security front, The Security Trust Fund (Amendment) Law No. 6, 2024 was passed to allow the appointment of a qualified chairperson to oversee the Fund, a move the Governor says will “bring stronger oversight and faster response to pressing security issues.”

The state’s rural and urban mobility got a boost with the signing of The Rural Access Road Authority Law No. 8, 2025, targeted at preventing the neglect of critical rural roads, particularly those connecting agricultural hubs.

“We’ve unlocked ₦4.5 billion for rural roads,” Governor Otu noted during the ceremony, “ensuring our farmers can bring their produce to market more easily.”

Other notable laws include:

The Scraps Regulatory Agency (Amendment) Law No. 9, 2025, aimed at curbing vandalism and unregulated scavenging,

The Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (Amendment) Law No. 4, 2024, which resolves jurisdictional overlap in motor vehicle licensing,

The Records and Archives Bureau Law No. 7, 2024, establishing a professional body for preserving state documentation,

The Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency Law No. 10, 2025, which streamlines the medical supply chain and enhances public-private partnership in healthcare, and

The Forestry Research Institute (Establishment) Law No. 6, 2024, designed to advance forestry and environmental research while supporting academic growth and sustainability.

Governor’s Reflection on Two Years of Governance

Speaking at the signing, Governor Otu expressed gratitude to the Assembly for their legislative diligence and partnership over the past two years. He acknowledged the economic difficulties his administration inherited, particularly inflation and funding constraints, but emphasised that focused leadership and purposeful legislation had helped the state make steady progress.

“We assumed office in a tough economic climate marked by inflation and limited access to funds, yet we’ve managed to stay focused,” Governor Otu said. “These laws will directly improve governance and service delivery. Each of these laws pushes Cross River forward.”

The Governor’s administration has become increasingly recognised for pragmatic leadership and evidence-driven reforms. With this new slate of legislation, observers note that Cross River State is poised to strengthen its governance architecture and make sustainable progress across multiple development indices.

Growing Political Capital Ahead of 2027

The Cross River State House of Assembly’s public endorsement of Governor Otu’s second-term ambition is likely to reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections. Analysts believe the legislature’s declaration sends a strong signal to both the ruling party and opposition elements about the prevailing unity of purpose within the state government.

Governor Otu, who campaigned on the promise of “People First” in 2023, now appears to be consolidating political capital based on performance, institutional reform, and legislative harmony.

As the state looks ahead, the partnership between Governor Otu and the 10th Assembly may well become the benchmark for governance in Nigeria’s subnational landscape.

Also in attendance during the epoch signing was the Clerk of the Cross River State House of Assembly (CRSHA), Barr. (Mrs.) Catherine Ubi.