The Special Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on Religious Affairs, Apostle Frank Umo, has described the Public Advocacy Summit as a timely initiative that reinforces the commitment of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s administration to inclusive and people-centred governance.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the summit held at the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar, Apostle Umo said the programme reflects the Governor’s determination to ensure that the voices of Cross Riverians remain central to policy formulation and service delivery.
He noted that institutionalising feedback mechanisms strengthens trust between government and the people, adding that citizens must continue to engage government responsibly and constructively for the collective progress of the state.
According to him, the People First philosophy has created an atmosphere where public opinion is valued, and government decisions are increasingly shaped by the needs and aspirations of the people.
Reflecting on Governor Otu’s address delivered by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Apostle Umo said the administration has continued to demonstrate that governance is most effective when citizens are given a platform to contribute to decision-making. He noted that the Governor’s emphasis on accountability, responsiveness, and continuous engagement aligns with the principles of good governance and participatory democracy.
He further commended the Governor for institutionalising channels through which citizens can express their concerns and expectations, describing initiatives such as the State Public Complainant Office, tax harmonisation reforms, improved traffic management, and free festive bus services as practical outcomes of a government that listens to its people.
Apostle Umo also praised the Special Adviser to the Governor on Content Development and Archiving, Beatrice Akpala, for convening the summit, describing it as a strategic platform that promotes dialogue, strengthens democratic participation, and encourages citizens to become active partners in governance.
He equally lauded the keynote speaker, Col. PAM Ogar, for his thought-provoking presentation, noting that his call for civility in public discourse, constructive criticism, and solution-driven engagement serves as a timely reminder that sustainable development can only thrive where mutual respect and collaboration exist between government and the governed.
The Special Adviser urged Cross Riverians to continue supporting the People First administration by engaging government through lawful and constructive channels, expressing confidence that sustained collaboration between leaders and citizens will further accelerate the state’s development and prosperity.
The high point of the summit was the official unveiling of the Content Development Magazine by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, alongside the representative of the Wife of the Governor, Dr. Comfort Oko, keynote speaker Col. PAM Ogar, the representative of the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, and other distinguished guests. The event also featured insightful paper presentations by Senator Prof. Stephen Odey, Rt. Hon. John Lebo, Prof. Francisca Bassey, Dr. (Mrs.) Glory Tony Effiong, and Dr. Bong Duke, all of whom emphasised the importance of citizen engagement, accountability, and collaborative governance in advancing the People First agenda.
