In a recent(Just yesterday,Saturday, 20th March, 2021)vitepuration Mr Wike the Governor of Rivers State made spurious allegations against the Governor of Cross River State, Prof Ayade and indeed against the good people of Cross River State as regards Governor Ayade stance and pronouncements during the recent visit of Mr Bala, the Governor of Bauchi State as it relates to the People’s Democratic Party crisis in Cross River State.
In the said engagement of Prof Ayade with Mr Bala the Governor of Bauchi State,Governor Ayade complained about the interference of external forces in the affairs of the PDP in his state where he is the leader of the party and asked for the party to take a stand on his side against these forces or see the evolution of a New Cross River State. He further spoke about others who forment trouble within the party and emphasized his position as a lover of peace.These points he made without recourse to abuse or name calling.
In Governor Ayade’s speech he didn’t mention names neither did he mention any state or insult anybody. It is rather unfortunate a day after for Governor Wike to now openly call out Governor Ayade and the good people of Cross River State during his speech as televised on AIT yesterday.To the conspirators,collaborators and enablers know that the people of Cross River State have taken note of your allegiance against your own, our Governor and collective interest! This coup is a failed project!!
For the records as regards Wike’s derogatory rants, firstly, Governor Ayade is an academia who made his first mega break financially outside of politics.It was his invention and contracts with multinational oil firm that gave him a leeway to wealth and other investments.It was not politics!How did you make yours-Mr Wike?Was it not in politics!Governor Ayade has served as a Senator,he is a Professor and a sitting Governor as you are!These records speaks volume of his personality!
Secondly, Governor Ayade’s huge budget models in the past were based on projections and expectations for the execution of the Superhighway and Deep Seaport projects etc which were financially monstrous.This is the reason why our budgets were in the billion.On the allegations of our forest reserves given out, given out to whom exactly, when and how? This is another lie from hades!
Thirdly, Governor Ayade has initiated and completed several industrial projects scattered here and there, across the three senatorial districts some of which have been commissioned by Mr President and Vice President respectively. These projects are people oriented and driven to create jobs and boost our economy and dependence on federal allocation.
Lastly, the Governor of Cross River State is the image of Cross River State and an affront on him is an affront on the good people of Cross River State, Governor Wike daring Governor Ayade and Cross River State is a disrespect and ridicule to the office he occupies as Governor.Respect of the Office of a Governor which he-Wike occupies is sacrosanct.Governor Ayade is not a tout and has always shown decorum in his doings. Governor Wike must understand that he is mortal and not God and should act in humility in words and actions. As a lawyer I am sure he studied anf knows how all the the world’s greatest emperors, autocrats and bullies ended.
In conclusion at a time were the regions/geopolitical zones in the country are integrating for the good of their people it is unwise and unthinkable of a Governor to fan or play war songs in a region that is already exploited, bastardized and leeched on since the creation of Nigeria.In the North their stance is known on key issues, in the west their stance is also known, why are we in the South and East making a mockery of ourselves? We need a formidable south now than ever before! The unguarded utterances of Governor Wike and his actions will only further divide the strained bond holding the region together. The stakeholders and elderstatesmen of the Niger Delta region and our federation should call Wike to order! Cross Riverians are great people and our Governor too!!
Prince Michael Nku Abuo,JP
Director General, Cross River State Political Network,CRISPON
21st March, 2021
