The Etsu Nupe and chairman, Niger State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar and the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, have commended the Cross River State governor, Prof. Ben Ayade for the industrialisation drive of his administration.
Speaking in Calabar, the monarchs who were in the state for a book launch, praised the governor for the economy-centric posture of his administration saying “this is laudable as it shows where the state is headed in the next couple of years.”
In his separate remarks, Abubakar said: “Since we arrived, we have seen a lot of peace in the state, a lot of understanding and a lot of zeal to develop.
“We also discovered that the governor, Prof Ben Ayade, has a good working team especially with his deputy, commissioners, former governors and we also believe that his people are happy with this development.
“This feat in the state is rare among many states in the country and we pray Almighty God to continue to sustain this in the life of the governor and the entire state in spite of challenges.”
The Etsu Nupe, who also paid a courtesy visit on the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, also said issues bordering on sustainable peace, unity and understanding among Nigerians topped their discussion.
“As traditional institution, we observe things and offer advice where necessary. We also appreciate that in spite of peoples’ positions, they listen to us,” he added.
In his remarks, Akanbi applauded the cordial relationship between Ayade and his deputy, Prof. Ivara Esu as well as the governor’s predecessor, Mr. Liyel Imoke.
“It is the first time two professors are piloting the affairs of a state as governor and deputy governor and above all understanding themselves with governance moving smoothly.
“Surprisingly at the book launch we saw the former governor, Senator Liyel Imoke and you putting your heads together. This is hardly seen in many states of the federation. So I say, the people of Cross River need to be emulated for setting the pace,” he said.
Responding, Ayade said “this is the only existing state that the sitting and former governors are five and six.”
“Cross River will continue to maintain its status as the leading light of civilization. We lead and must show because if today we are the epicenter of hospitality in Nigeria and indeed Africa, we must conduct ourselves in such a way that we remain a shining example.”
On the cordial relationship between Ayade and his deputy, the governor said: “We have displayed such a classic balance; we are such a healthy combination. Intellectually, my deputy has been of great value; truly, we have got a great team and he has displayed total loyalty.”
“I wish you had time to move around and see our projects and we are a state that when we want to pay salaries, workers will start begging us not to pay early, even when some states are owing for months.”
