The meeting which had in attendance over 200 hundred eminent Cross Riverians drawn from the three Senatorial Districts was chaired by a former Governor of the State, His Excellency Chief Clement Ebri CON with Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo Chairman, Cross River State Consultative Forum, Dr. Ochim Julius Okputu Secretary, Cross River State Consultative Forum a
By Iloke Egbe
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Published on August 27, 2026
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4 min read
The chairman Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission Hon. Ntufam Victor Okon has congratulated the leadership of the Elders Advisory Council and Cross River State Executive Consultative Forum and members on their Inaugural Meeting held at Mary Ekpiken hall, channel view hotel Calabar.
The meeting which had in attendance over 200 hundred eminent Cross Riverians drawn from the three Senatorial Districts was chaired by a former Governor of the State, His Excellency Chief Clement Ebri CON with Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo Chairman, Cross River State Consultative Forum, Dr. Ochim Julius Okputu Secretary, Cross River State Consultative Forum and deliberated on far reaching issues and agreed on terms of reference for the forum which aimed to give the enlarged forum a strategic operational framework.
Ntufam Okon expressed excitement that the Elders Council is made up of men and women with visible track records in life and their attendance in the meeting is an indication that they are willing to continue their contributions and support to the development of the State.
According to him, the place of the elders advisory Council and consultative forum in the matrix of State development is like pillars in a building and backbone in human life. As it brings stability, inclusiveness and people centered policies and programmes implementations.
He expressed his appreciation to the Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for approving the constitution of the Elders Advisory Council and the consultative Forum to serve in the Council and forum to advance value addition in service to the people. Adding that he believes the council will continue in unity courtesy of the leadership of His Excellency Chief Clement Ebri who has demonstrated the capacity and wisdom to coordinate the Council and forum.
The commission chairman also acknowledged the contributions of the Chief of Staff to the Governor Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar for playing a critical role by providing the necessary support for the forum operates smoothly. That the Governor has a dependable Chief of Staff who knows his jobs and is serving with humility. On the eight points Communique Issued at the end of the meeting, Ntufam Okon described it as the best position taken by the Council and has given a direction of where the council is focusing. That it will go a long way to reduce conflicts and promote political stability as the Governor in consultation with the Council and the forum will continue to express the State position even on national issues.
The Communique read in part: We, the members of the Cross River State Elders Advisory Council, a distinguished body of elder statesmen, former political office holders, and respected leaders drawn from the three senatorial districts of Cross River State – Central, Northern, and Southern – operating under the auspices of the Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSCF), having been duly inaugurated on Thursday, 11th December 2025, by His Excellency, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State. RECOGNISING:
The critical role of the Council as the Chief Adviser to the Government of Cross River State, charged with providing strategic guidance, wise counsel, and constructive feedback to foster inclusive governance, sustainable development, and enduring peace across the state; ACKNOWLEDGING:
The imperative of a formal framework to guide the operations, functions, and responsibilities of the Council in the discharge of its advisory mandate;
COGNISANT: of the need to ensure clarity, transparency, and accountability in the Council’s engagement with the government and the people of Cross River State; THEREFORE: After exhaustive deliberations at its inaugural formal session held on this day, the Cross River State Elders Advisory Council hereby issues this Communiqué as follows:
Commenting on the endorsement of the President and Governor for a second term in office respectively, the chairman admitted that both the President and the Governor have done extremely well and they deserve a second term to consolidate their achievements, adding that the Governor is the answer to the quest for meaningful development in Cross River State, therefore, there is no option and no vacancy in Government House, that he is very proud of the bold steps and resolutions reached as it points that members of the committee are avest with the plight of the State.
