NIGERIA, CALABAR – Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has congratulated former Governor Donald Duke on his 64th birthday, praising his legacy as a statesman of rare distinction.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Linus Obogo, Otu said Duke’s tenure remains a shining testament to courage, compassion and progress that still inspires the state.
“Former Governor Duke’s time in office was not merely about governance but a renaissance of vision, service and passion,” Otu stated. “It was a season when hope blossomed, and Cross River’s pride was rekindled.”
He stressed that Duke’s legacy is not measured only by physical projects but by values of innovation, creativity and belief in Cross River’s potential to lead where others hesitated.
According to Otu, the Duke administration repositioned Cross River as a hub of culture, tourism and enterprise, with the Carnival Calabar gaining global recognition. “Those were years when Cross River’s name was etched on the national and international map in colours too bold to fade,” he remarked.
The governor recalled that Duke’s policies touched lives and rekindled faith in purposeful leadership. “Such footprints cannot be erased from the sands of time,” Otu declared, underscoring the ethical responsibility of leaders to impact lives beyond physical structures.
He added that Duke’s contributions extended to shaping the state’s identity, inspiring residents to embrace creativity and enterprise. This, Otu noted, reflected leadership grounded in vision and responsibility toward the people’s collective good.
Even outside office, Duke has remained a beacon of wisdom, Otu said, describing him as an elder statesman whose words inspire younger generations. “His enduring relevance speaks to a life anchored on service and vision,” he observed.
Governor Otu emphasized the situational ethics of leadership, noting that Duke demonstrated courage in uncertain times and left behind a legacy rooted in values rather than fleeting politics.
“As you celebrate sixty-four glorious years, I rejoice in your new chapter as a fountain of inspiration,” Otu said, praying for renewed strength, joy and fulfilment for the former governor.
On behalf of the government and people of Cross River State, the governor concluded by wishing Duke a happy 64th birthday, expressing hope that “his light will never dim.”