Ex-Senator solicits support for Buhari’s change mantra in Cross River

A former Senator in Cross River, Bassey Otu has urged Nigerians to embrace the “Change Begins With Me’’ refrain of President Muhammadu Buhari. This, he said, was necessary so as to foster attitudinal orientation required in the country for things to move forward.

Out gave the advice when he hosted a group of artisans, fashion designers, hair dressers and eatery and hospitality industry operators in Calabar whom he had empowered during his days as a lawmaker.

Current downturn in Nigeria’s economy, he said, needed collective will and resolve to imbibe attitudinal change and change in the lifestyles of Nigerians.

“The ‘Change Begins With Me’ slogan is innovative and should have since been introduced by previous administrations in Nigeria for the citizenry to imbibe”, he said.

The former legislator said that his self-empowerment programme in his constituency had been a deliberate idea to ensure the creation of avenues for self-sufficiency.

According to the former Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District, “ours is a pro-active effort to be ready for the rainy day which is here.’’

He advised the group to handle the equipment and appliances given to them with care to continue to fend for themselves during hard times. He said that the recession would be surmounted with the collective will and commitment of every Nigerians.

A welder, Ogbodim Esa, who responded on behalf of the group, said their visit was to express their appreciation to Otu for assisting them to acquire skills which they now render to earn a living and employ others. He said that individuals like Otu should be entrusted with the political mandate to serve the people in subsequent political arrangements.