The Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, has paid glowing tribute to a former Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
This was contained in a message by Otu’s Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Linus Obogo.
In the message on Monday in Abuja, Otu described Ndoma-Egba as “a towering jurist, statesman and patriot whose life has enriched both Cross River and the Nigerian federation”.
The governor praised his enduring contributions to lawmaking, national development, and institutional leadership over several decades of public life.
He said: “On this special milestone of your 70th birthday, I extend my warmest felicitations to you, my dear elder brother, mentor and distinguished compatriot.
“Your life has been a shining testament to the rare union of intellect, discipline and public virtue.”
Otu noted that Ndoma-Egba’s journey from the revered ranks of the legal profession to the commanding heights of national politics represented a remarkable narrative of excellence and public service.
He said: “From the august courts where you adorned the Bar with forensic brilliance, to the red chamber of the national assembly where you served with dignity and commanding insight, your career has been guided by fidelity to principle and devotion to the progress of Cross River and Nigeria,”
Ndoma-Egba, a three-term senator who represented Cross River Central Senatorial District between 2003 and 2015, is widely respected for his legislative depth and stabilising influence in parliamentary debates.
Otu particularly commended the elder statesman’s tenure as chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), noting that his leadership brought calm authority and institutional clarity to the interventionist agency.
He said: “Your stewardship at the NDDC bore the unmistakable imprint of wisdom, refinement of thought and steadfast patriotism.
“You demonstrated that public office can indeed be guided by restraint, integrity and a profound sense of responsibility.”
The governor further described Ndoma-Egba as a custodian of institutional memory and a moral compass for younger generations of leaders emerging within Cross River and beyond.
Otu added: “At 70, your legacy gleams brightly in the firmament of Nigerian public life.
“You remain a beacon of statesmanship whose counsel continues to illuminate the path of responsible leadership.
“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Cross River State, I celebrate your enduring contributions and pray that Providence grants you robust health, abiding peace and many more years of sagacious guidance to our state and country.
“Cross River is proud of you, and Nigeria is richer for your service.”
