A political pressure group in Cross River State, CODE 888, has officially launched its "Complete the 8" campaign, throwing its weight behind Governor Bassey Edet Otu and his deputy, Peter Odey, for a second term in office.
The group said the initiative is aimed at preserving the state's long standing rotational zoning arrangement, which it described as a key factor in maintaining peace, equity and political stability since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
Speaking at the campaign launch in Calabar on Thursday, the Director General of CODE 888, Engr. Maurice Nkong, said the group's position was driven by fairness and consistency rather than political expediency.
He noted that under the state's unwritten zoning principle, the Southern, Central and Northern Senatorial Districts have each enjoyed two consecutive four year terms in office. He listed Donald Duke, Liyel Imoke and Ben Ayade as beneficiaries of the arrangement.
According to Nkong, Governor Otu, who is currently serving his first term and hails from the Southern Senatorial District, should be allowed to complete an eight year tenure in line with the existing political tradition.
He maintained that while the Constitution guarantees every qualified citizen the right to contest elections, democratic values also require adherence to established conventions that promote fairness, unity and mutual respect.
CODE 888 also justified its endorsement by pointing to what it described as notable achievements of the Otu administration under its "People First" agenda. The group cited improvements in security, community policing, environmental sanitation, infrastructure and healthcare.
It further highlighted the state's partnership with the Bank of Industry to establish a ₦2 billion counter fund for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, alongside the disbursement of ₦500 million to nano and micro businesses across the 18 local government areas. The administration's relaunch of the Enterprise Development Centre and recognition as Nigeria's Best MSME Friendly Governor by the Presidency were also mentioned.
In the health sector, the group said the government has renovated 100 Primary Health Care centres, recruited 2,000 health workers and positioned Cross River among the leading states in immunisation coverage.
The pressure group announced plans to embark on statewide consultations, policy engagements and grassroots campaigns across all 18 local government areas to galvanise public support for the campaign.
Nkong called on the media to report political developments objectively and urged residents, particularly youths, to embrace peace and promote justice through constructive engagement rather than violence.
He stressed that equity, justice and fairness remain the foundation for enduring peace and sustainable political stability in Cross River State.
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