The immediate past Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ivara Esu, has commended the Chairman of Biase Local Government Area, Hon. Edodi Eyong Edodi, for his exemplary leadership following the successful conduct of the Ward Congress, which he described as smooth, fair, peaceful, and inclusive.
Prof. Esu made the commendation during the Pre–Local Government Congress Stakeholders’ Meeting held at Prof. Eyo Ita House, Marian, Calabar, on Friday. He noted that the transparent process reflected the commitment of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Biase to unity and internal democracy.
He emphasized that the party at the local government level remains a vehicle for progress and a platform to galvanize support for the administration of Senator Prince Bassey Otu, reminding stakeholders that power is transient and urging continued support for the chairman, the Governor, President Tinubu, and the APC.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Council Chairman of Biase Local Government Area, Hon. Edodi Eyong Edodi, appreciated the people of Biase for their unwavering support, particularly for ensuring the success of the recently conducted congress.
He commended the former Deputy Governor for his words of encouragement and reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive leadership, which, according to him, aligns with Governor Otu’s People First mantra, the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, and the continuous advancement of the party’s objectives in Biase Local Government Area.
Ahead of the Local Government Chapter Congress billed for Saturday, February 21, 2026, Edodi called on ward leaders to consult widely and unanimously forward consensus party faithful to fill positions zoned to their respective wards. He stressed that no single leader should unilaterally nominate candidates on behalf of any ward, instead, leaders were urged to collaborate closely with ward executives and the broader membership to ensure that nominees emerge through inclusive consultations.
In their goodwill messages, the Member representing Biase State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Francis Ogban, the Political Leader of Biase and Federal Commissioner at the National Population Commission, Bishop Rt. Hon. Alex Ukam, State Auditor of the APC, Deacon Charles Iyam, Southern Women Leader of the party, Amb. Mrs. Benita Usang, and a notable stakeholder, Chief Ogban Expei, lauded the council chairman for his developmental strides and exemplary leadership. They noted that his leadership was evident in the conduct of the Ward Congress of the party, which they described as inclusive, rare, and unifying, and reiterated their resolve to ensure a peaceful and successful Local Government Congress.
A highlight of the meeting was the adoption of zoning for Local Government chapter positions to the wards, moved by Hon. Francis Ogban and seconded by Hon. Egwu Egeh Umet.
In attendance were the Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Ijom-Odum Ukam; the Director-General, Due Process and Price Intelligence Bureau, Hon. Charles Atu; his MEDA counterpart, Mr. Great Ogban; government officials, councillors, ward leaders, and other key stakeholders from the eleven wards of Biase Local Government Area.
