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UCMPOO Opens New Chapter, Mobilises for Unity, Reconciliation and Greater Support for Otu, Odey

Published

1 week ago

September 24, 2026

Cyril Ogar

The United Coalition Movement for Prince Otu and Odey (UCMPOO) has announced the constitution of its State Executive Council, signalling a fresh chapter in its mobilisation efforts for unity, reconciliation and broader political support for Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu, and his deputy Governor Peter Odey ahead of the 2027 elections.
The coalition, according to its Director-General, Austine Ibok, is designed to build a broad-based political movement capable of mobilising support beyond the traditional All Progressives Congress (APC) structure.
Ibok said the movement would engage opposition party members, political candidates, stakeholders across party lines, as well as aggrieved and dissatisfied members of the old APC who may feel excluded or insufficiently carried along in the current political arrangement.
He said the initiative was aimed at promoting unity, reconciliation and political integration while galvanising wider support for the Otu administration ahead of the 2027 polls.
According to him, UCMPOO will focus its advocacy and mobilisation around key areas of governance and development, including sustainable infrastructure, smart security solutions, economic diversification through the blue and green economy, low-income housing, human development and empowerment.
In an official announcement, Ibok said the appointments followed extensive consultations with leaders and stakeholders across the state and were made in line with the movement’s objectives, core values and mandate.
The State Executive structure includes the positions of Deputy Director-General I and II, Diaspora Coordinator, Abuja Coordinator, Secretary-General, Political Reconciliation and Integration of Old APC Members, Media and Publicity, Contact and Mobilisation, Women Affairs, Youth Affairs, Policy Management and Execution, and General Duties and Operations.
The movement also announced zonal coordinators for the three senatorial districts of the state.
For the North Senatorial District, the listed coordinators include Gabriel Ijang, Edward Odu Ncha, Ikpeme Damon and David Ekpenyong.
The Central Senatorial District has Victor Omaga Odo, Hon. Sylvester Nsa, Dr Diana Mary Nsan and Mr Emeka Osbert, while the South Senatorial District has Esther Illah, Ewa Malaysia, Amb. Helen Inyang, Hon. Leo Asuquo, Austin Akan, Prince Takim Okongor and Hon. Effiom Effiwatt.
The Director-General congratulated the newly appointed executives and charged them to regard their appointments as a call to service, commitment, sacrifice and collective responsibility.
He urged the appointees to work together towards achieving the movement’s objectives and strengthening its mobilisation and reconciliation efforts across Cross River State.

Ibok added that further appointments and announcements would be communicated in due course.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

7 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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