Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has clocked 65 years but he laments that he cannot celebrate due to the high level of hardship in the country.
He spoke on a Sparkling FM Radio programme monitored in Calabar, when special adviser on media and publicity, Linus Obogo, as well as special adviser on general duties, Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, linked him to make remarks on his new age.
Otu said, “I cannot in all sincerity celebrate my birthday with such expected fanfare in the midst of current hardships.
“There’s much sufferings in the country due to current hyperinflation. It would be insensitive to do so. That’s why it is a low-key event.”
He expressed gratitude to the people of the state for their prayers and good wishes.
The governor said his administration was intentional about impacting the people.
“I have occupied many positions in this country. In all, I have never disappointed. So I vow that I shall not disappoint the people of Cross River State as their governor, by he grace of God. There’ll be value addition.”
He disclosed that from next year he will be holding regular town hall meetings across the three senatorial districts in the state.
“It’ll enable the people to speak with me directly; ask me no-hold-barred questions, so that they will hear my responses directly.”