Championing Disability-Inclusive Governance: Job Napoleon Agbor (Hurricane) Advocates for Greater Inclusion at Governor Otu’s 2nd Anniversary Town Hall

Calabar, Cross River State — May 29, 2025

In a passionate address delivered during the Special Interactive Town Hall Meeting commemorating the second anniversary of His Excellency Governor Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s people-oriented administration, renowned disability rights advocate and educationist, Job Napoleon Agbor (popularly known as Hurricane), called for urgent and intentional inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in governance and development planning across Cross River State.

Held at the Calabar International Conference Centre (CICC), the event provided an opportunity for critical stakeholders to assess the administration’s achievements under the “People First” agenda, while fostering open dialogue on areas needing attention. Mr. Agbor, a University Don and APC loyalist with a long-standing history in civil rights and policy reform, used the occasion to highlight both the gains of the government and the continued marginalization of PWDs in the state’s political landscape.

“We commend Your Excellency for the visible transformation across all three senatorial districts, especially the reconstruction of the State Library Complex and your assent to the Local Government Amendment Bill 2025. These are marks of progressive and inclusive governance,” Agbor noted.

However, he urged the governor to back these achievements with strategic political appointments for persons with disabilities, adding that while a few local government chairmen have appointed aides with disabilities, no formal appointments at the state level have been made in the last two years.

“We stand before you today as educated, capable, and loyal citizens—ready to contribute meaningfully to governance and development,” he asserted.

Agbor praised the Governor’s commitment to institutional reform, infrastructural renewal, and peacebuilding, noting that transformational governance must now include deliberate action toward disability inclusion. He also extended appreciation to the First Lady, Her Excellency Bishop Eyoawan Otu, for her role in uniting the disability community in Cross River State after past leadership disputes.

Agbor’s concluding remarks quoting Chief Eric Ndubueze Ufom on legacy and inclusion

“A true legacy lies in building systems that endure across generations—touching lives across every divide. A true legacy is one that leaves no one behind.”