Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State has officially resumed duty, opting to forgo a previously approved two-week leave extension granted by the State House of Assembly.
According to a statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill, on Friday, Otu returned to work after a three-week vacation that commenced on March 11, 2025.
“Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State has confirmed the cancellation of the two-week extension granted to him by the state House of Assembly,” the statement read.
Gill added that the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has been formally notified of the governor’s decision. “He is back to drive the developmental agenda with renewed energy,” he stated.
Upon resumption, Governor Otu’s first official engagement is his national assignment as Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary election committee in Anambra State.
Gill noted that the governor remains fully committed to advancing the state’s progress, emphasizing that such dedication “takes precedence over any personal time away.”
The statement further explained that Otu’s decision to decline the extension was influenced by adjustments in his previously scheduled engagements, which necessitated an earlier return to office.
“Governor Otu’s return is anticipated to energise governance efforts, with a renewed emphasis on development initiatives and policy implementation throughout the state,” it added.
The governor is currently in Awka, the Anambra State capital, where the APC gubernatorial primary election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
PUNCH Online recalls that the State Assembly had, during its plenary on Friday, April 4, approved the governor’s leave extension following a formal request presented by the Clerk. However, the governor’s revised commitments prompted a change in plans.
