Bassey Otu

**Bassey Edet Otu: Governor of Cross River State and Nigerian Statesman** His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, popularly known as "Sweet Prince," is a seasoned Nigerian politician, statesman, and the current Governor of Cross River State. He has a distinguished career in public service, having previously served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate of Nigeria. **Early Life and Education** Bassey Edet Otu was born on October 18, 1959, in Calabar, Eastern Region, British Nigeria (now in Cross River State, Nigeria). He was born into the family of Late Elder Edet Okon Otu and Mrs. Otu of Adiabo in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. Otu was raised partly in Calabar and Jos, Plateau State, where his father was on a church mission with the Church of Scotland. He obtained his bachelor's degree from the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Calabar. Before entering public office, he worked in the banking and petroleum sectors and was also involved in farming. **Career Progression and Political Journey** Prince Bassey Otu began his political career by serving as a representative for the Calabar Municipal/Odukpani constituency of Cross River State in the House of Representatives from June 2003 to June 2011. During his time in the House, he served as Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum and was a member of committees on Power, the Ministry of Niger Delta, Inter-Parliamentary Relations, Environment, Water Resources, and Defense. Following his tenure in the House of Representatives, he was elected as a Senator for the Cross River South senatorial district, serving from June 2011 to June 2015. After his time in the Senate, he remained active in public service and, in 2018, was appointed to the board of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) by President Muhammadu Buhari. **Major Achievements and Current Status** In 2023, Prince Bassey Edet Otu achieved a significant political milestone when he was elected as the Governor of Cross River State, running on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He assumed office on May 29, 2023, succeeding Ben Ayade, with Rt. Hon. Peter Odey as his Deputy Governor. As Governor, Otu has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to community, compassion, and service to the people. He has particularly emphasized the welfare of military veterans, widows, and the families of fallen heroes in the state. His leadership focuses on building a better future for Cross River State, with service to the people remaining central to his administration's philosophy.