Politics in Nigeria is often closely linked with wealth, influence, and power. This is especially true in Cross River State, one of the most resourceful states in the South-South region. Over the years, the state has produced some of the most prominent political leaders who not only shaped governance but also built significant wealth through politics, business, and investments.
The richest politicians in Cross River State net worth reflect the blend of political power, business acumen, and strong networks that these individuals possess. From governors and senators to business moguls turned public servants, their wealth demonstrates how politics and economics often intersect in Nigeria.
In this article, we will highlight the top richest politicians in Cross River State, their estimated net worth, sources of income, and the contributions they have made to their communities.
1. Senator Bassey Edet Otu – Governor of Cross River State
Popularly known as the “Sweet Prince,” Senator Bassey Edet Otu is the current Governor of Cross River State and one of its wealthiest politicians. His political journey started in the House of Representatives, continued in the Senate, and culminated in his election as Governor in 2023.
Sources of Wealth:
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Political salaries and allowances
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Investments in oil and trade
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Real estate holdings in Calabar and Abuja
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Business consultancy and advisory
Estimated Net Worth (2025):
$5 million – $7 million
2. Donald Duke – Former Governor of Cross River State
Donald Duke, Governor of Cross River State from 1999 to 2007, is a household name in Nigerian politics. Known for transforming Cross River into a tourism hub, Duke spearheaded initiatives like the Calabar Carnival and Tinapa Business Resort.
Sources of Wealth:
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Political career earnings
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Investments in tourism and hospitality
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Business ventures in entertainment and real estate
Estimated Net Worth (2025):
$30 million – $35 million
3. Liyel Imoke – Former Governor of Cross River State
Liyel Imoke served as Governor from 2007 to 2015 after previously being a Senator and Minister of Power. His long career in politics and government gave him both financial stability and influence.
Sources of Wealth:
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Political salaries and entitlements
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Consultancy and advisory roles in energy sector
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Real estate and private investments
Estimated Net Worth (2025):
$15 million – $20 million
4. Senator Florence Ita-Giwa – Former Presidential Adviser
Known as the “Calabar Iron Lady,” Florence Ita-Giwa is one of the wealthiest female politicians in Cross River State. She has served as a Senator and also as Special Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo on National Assembly Matters.
Sources of Wealth:
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Political career
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Real estate and property investments
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Philanthropic organizations and social entrepreneurship
Estimated Net Worth (2025):
$10 million – $12 million
5. Gershom Bassey – Senator, Businessman, and Politician
Gershom Bassey, a close ally of Donald Duke, is another wealthy politician from Cross River. Representing Cross River South Senatorial District, he has combined politics with significant business ventures.
Sources of Wealth:
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Oil and gas investments
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Political earnings as Senator
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Business enterprises in multiple sectors
Estimated Net Worth (2025):
$45 million – $50 million
6. Senator John Owan Enoh – Politician and Businessman
John Owan Enoh has served in the House of Representatives and the Senate. He is also well-known for his vast investments in agriculture, especially in large-scale farming, which has significantly boosted his wealth.
Sources of Wealth:
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Political career
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Agribusiness (large-scale farming and agricultural exports)
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Real estate investments
Estimated Net Worth (2025):
$25 million – $28 million
7. Senator Sandy Onor – Politician and Academic
Sandy Onor, known for his intellectual background and contributions to academia before politics, is another notable politician in Cross River State. He has served as a Senator and has strong financial standing.
Sources of Wealth:
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Political earnings
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Academic contributions and consultancy
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Real estate investments
Estimated Net Worth (2025):
$8 million – $10 million
8. Legor Idagbo – House of Representatives Member
Legor Idagbo represents Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. His career has grown steadily, and he has made significant investments outside politics.
Sources of Wealth:
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Political salaries and allowances
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Business ventures in real estate and trade
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Private investments
Estimated Net Worth (2025):
$5 million – $6 million
9. Alex Egbona – House of Representatives Member
Alex Egbona represents Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency. Known for his grassroots support, he has built wealth from both politics and private investments.
Sources of Wealth:
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Political entitlements
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Real estate and business ventures
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Consultancy roles
Estimated Net Worth (2025):
$4 million – $5 million
10. Senator Eteng Jonah Williams – Politician and Businessman
Eteng Jonah Williams is another wealthy politician in Cross River State. His political influence, coupled with private investments, places him among the richest in the state.
Sources of Wealth:
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Political career
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Real estate holdings
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Private businesses in trading and consultancy
Estimated Net Worth (2025):
$6 million – $7 million
Summary Table: Richest Politicians in Cross River State (2025)
| Politician | Position(s) Held | Estimated Net Worth (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Gershom Bassey | Senator, Businessman | $45m – $50m |
| Donald Duke | Former Governor | $30m – $35m |
| John Owan Enoh | Senator, Businessman | $25m – $28m |
| Liyel Imoke | Former Governor | $15m – $20m |
| Florence Ita-Giwa | Senator, Presidential Adviser | $10m – $12m |
| Sandy Onor | Senator, Academic | $8m – $10m |
| Eteng Jonah Williams | Senator | $6m – $7m |
| Bassey Edet Otu | Governor, Former Senator | $5m – $7m |
| Legor Idagbo | House of Representatives Member | $5m – $6m |
| Alex Egbona | House of Representatives Member | $4m – $5m |
Conclusion
The richest politicians in Cross River State net worth demonstrate how politics and business often intertwine in Nigeria. Figures like Gershom Bassey, Donald Duke, and John Owan Enoh lead the pack with net worths running into tens of millions of dollars, while others like Senator Bassey Edet Otu and Florence Ita-Giwa combine political influence with strategic business investments.
These individuals have not only built wealth but also contributed to Cross River’s development through projects in education, healthcare, tourism, and infrastructure. Their stories show that political leadership in Nigeria often extends beyond governance into entrepreneurship and legacy building.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the richest politician in Cross River State in 2025?
The richest politician in Cross River State is Gershom Bassey, with an estimated net worth of $45 million – $50 million.
2. What is Donald Duke’s net worth in 2025?
Donald Duke’s net worth is estimated at $30 million – $35 million, largely from politics and investments in tourism and entertainment.
3. How did Bassey Edet Otu build his wealth?
Bassey Edet Otu built wealth through politics, oil trade investments, and real estate.
4. Is Florence Ita-Giwa one of the richest politicians in Cross River?
Yes, with an estimated net worth of $10 million – $12 million, she is one of the wealthiest female politicians in the state.
5. What is Liyel Imoke’s estimated net worth?
Liyel Imoke’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $15 million – $20 million.
6. Which sectors contribute most to politicians’ wealth in Cross River?
Key sectors include oil and gas, real estate, tourism, agriculture, and consultancy.
7. Are all wealthy politicians in Cross River former governors?
No. While former governors like Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke are wealthy, other Senators and House members such as Gershom Bassey, John Owan Enoh, and Florence Ita-Giwa are also among the richest.
8. Do Cross River politicians invest outside politics?
Yes, most of them invest in real estate, oil and gas, agriculture, tourism, and business ventures.
9. How does Cross River compare to other states in terms of wealthy politicians?
Cross River State ranks among the states with influential politicians, though states like Lagos, Rivers, and Abuja have even wealthier political figures.