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Tag: Ayade

  • Defection: Cross River gov, Ayade to know fate Friday

    Defection: Cross River gov, Ayade to know fate Friday

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, will on Friday, deliver judgment in a suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River.

    The PDP, through its counsel Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, had filed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/975/2021 before Justice Taiwo Taiwo to seek for an order sacking the governor and his deputy over their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), among others.

    On Tuesday from Court 7, where Justice Taiwo presides that the judgment in suit number: FHC/ABJ/CS/975/2021 filed by the PDP against Cross River governor and his deputy will come up on Friday, March 25.

    Taiwo had, on Monday, ordered two House of Representatives members representing Cross River and 18 lawmakers from the state’s House of Assembly to vacate their seats over their defection to APC.

    The judge gave the order following a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/971/2021 filed on Aug. 27, 2021, by the PDP to challenge the 20 lawmakers’ defection to APC, alongside the governor on May 20, 2021.

    Justice Taiwo, in the judgment, dismissed the defence argument that the PDP (plaintiff) had no locus standi (legal rights) to institute the case.

    He also dismissed other preliminary objections raised by the sacked lawmakers.

    Taiwo ruled that the argument of the lawmakers that there was rancour in the PDP which necessitated their defection to APC was a ploy to mislead the court.

    The judge, who granted all the reliefs sought by the PDP, held that it was disheartening that politicians in the country treat citizens as if they do not matter once they get into office.

    “A day must surely come when elected officials, must either resign from their office or ask the people who voted for them before defecting to other political parties, instead of defecting to another party without recourse to the law and the citizens, ” he said.

    According to him, we cannot continue in sin and expect grace to abound.

    The affected two members of the House of Representatives from the state are Michael Etaba and Legor Idagbor.

    The 18 state’s lawmakers include the Speaker, House of Assembly, Eteng Williams; Mich Etaba, Legor Idagbor, Joseph Bassey, Odey Agbe and Okon Ephraim.

    Others are: Regina Anyogo, Matthew Olory, Ekpo Bassey, Ogbor Udop, Ekpe Okon, Hillary Bisong, Francis Asuquo, Elvert Ayambem, Davis Etta, Sunday Achunekan, Cynthia Nkasi, Edward Ajang, Chris Ogar and Maria Akwaji.

    While Mr Etaba represents Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency of Cross River, Mr Idagbor represents Obudu/Obaliku/Bekwarra Federal Constituency of the state.

  • Cross River indigenes don’t appreciate my sacrifices – Ayade

    Cross River indigenes don’t appreciate my sacrifices – Ayade

    Governor Benedict Ayade of Cross River State has expressed sadness at the behaviour of the people for not regarding the extent of his personal sacrifices and generosity to them.

    At a meeting with media practitioners during the end of year festivities in Calabar, the governor lamented that people do not understand what he goes through daily as a governor.

    “I don’t think I have ever slept up to five hours in a day since the last six years and more.

    “I use to be happier and richer when I was not yet a governor. But I am no longer,” he said.

    Ayade said he used to be hailed for being a very generous man when he was not yet a governor.

    “But today irrespective of the extent of my generosity to people, it is always seen as grossly insufficient.

    “No matter what I give, it is never seen as having done well,” he added.

    Ayade frowned at the lack of gratitude and how they prefer the spirit of ‘Bring Him Down Syndrome’.

    He spoke about petitions by the people of the state aimed at crippling the efforts of government officials, especially his efforts at transforming the state.

    He advised that such an attitude should change for the better.

    He also cautioned journalists to endeavour to verify their reports, adding that if they cannot meet him in person, he has his officials who can provide the desired information.

    “Some of these reports and petitions have caused this state fortunes in foreign investments.

    “Some persons write about non-existent issues about Cross River. I think obviously what the local correspondents are doing, and how those stories get into their papers without verification is rather worrisome,” he said.

    “Sometimes I read that I am planning to go back to the PDP. What an untruth! Painful is that some of you work directly here from the governor’s office.

    “There are so many means whereby you can verify the information. Always verify the information.”

  • Northern governors celebrate Christmas with Ayade in Cross River

    Northern governors celebrate Christmas with Ayade in Cross River

    Governors Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi and Muhammad Badru Abubakar of Jigawa state on Saturday paid their Cross River State counterpart, Professor Ben Ayade a Christmas visit.

    Also in the entourage of the governors was former Jigawa governor, Seminu Turaki.

    Speaking, Governor Bagudu described Ayade as a dear brother and colleague whose achievements were worthy of celebration.

    According to him, “we came to felicitate with his Excellency, Governor Ben Ayade and the people of Cross River State, we are here to show respect to a very dear friend and colleague who has proved himself worthy of being respected.

    “Despite the distance, we were desirous of coming to celebrate with him and show respect to him and the people of Cross River State and to celebrate his achievements.

    “What has been happening in Cross River State is enough evidence that we have beacons of light across the land and that when we support them, greatness and prosperity will come.”

    Further eulogising his Cross River counterpart, Bagudu said the Progressive Governors Forum which is the forum of governors of the All Progressives Congress, APC, holds him in high esteem. “We are here on a personal relationship with Governor Ayade. We respect him, we celebrate his achievements and particularly, all of us in the Progressive Governors’ Forum reckon with his achievements and we pray that he will continue to go higher and higher.”

    The Kebbi State governor enjoined Nigerians to work towards building a country that holds a bright future for all.

    “We have a great country, we should enjoy ourselves, we should work for a country of our future, our children and our great grandchildren. It is what President Buhari had been doing.

    “We would work hard to overcome all challenges so that Nigeria can be greater so that it can take its rightful place among the comity of nations,” the Kebbi State governor said.

    Responding, Governor Ayade said he was delighted to receive his colleagues from the North, describing their visit as good for the unity of Nigeria.

    His words:”This is why APC is a perfect example for the unity of this country. Here you have my brothers from the North coming to celebrate Christmas with us in Cross River. When you have Muslims from the North coming to fellowship and celebrate with us in the South on Christmas day, I think this is the biggest message this country must take home.”

    He said the governors’ visit on Christmas day underscores the APC government’s stance for the unity, indissolubility and indivisibility of the country.

  • Gov Ayade suspends 14-month old #EndSARS curfew in Calabar

    Gov Ayade suspends 14-month old #EndSARS curfew in Calabar

    Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade, has suspended the 14-month old curfew that was imposed during the #EndSARS protest in October 2020 in Calabar, the state capital.

    The aftermath of the EndSARS protest led hoodlums to hijack and to break down law and order. This also led to the wanton destruction of both government and private properties.

    The complete suspension was in a statement signed by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ayade, Mr Linus Obogo, stating that the suspension takes effect from December 25, 2021.

    “The state governor, His Excellency, Sir Ben Ayade, has suspended the curfew in the state with effect from December 25, 2021. Consequently, movement is no longer restricted in the state at any time,” the statement read.

    Recall that the curfew was relaxed to midnight few months ago to midnight in a bid to enable nightlife return and ease movement in the metropolis but with the total suspension, movement all times will no longer be restricted.

  • Gov. Ayade supports power shift to Cross River South

    Gov. Ayade supports power shift to Cross River South

    Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River has reiterated his desire to support Cross River South Central Senatorial District to produce the next governor of the state in 2023.

    Ayade stated this on Wednesday while interacting with journalists in Calabar.

    He said that for fairness and equity, it was natural and just to support the South to produce the next governor of the state in 2023.

    According to him, ‘politics with ethics’ implies natural justice and fairness with a view of giving all the zones in the state a sense of belonging to feel the taste of political power.

    “In 2015, I went round to campaign and in the process, I told the people to vote for me that in 2023 power will return to the South.

    “The governorship slot started from the South, it moved to Central and then to the North; it’s fair that power returns to the South again for equity and fairness,” said.

    On his industrialisation agenda, Ayade said that the state chicken processing factory “Chalachika” was now producing chickens at optimal capacity and at an affordable price.

    “As Cross River indigenes, our future lies in the ongoing Bakassi deep seaport project, the exploitation of our carbon resources and many others.

    “As the governor, I am happy that I have industrialised the state with various industries that are adding value to the growth of the state.

    “Today, we have the garment factory, the poultry factory, the noodles factory, the rice seedlings factory, the cotton factory, among others,” he added.

    He urged residents of the state to support his administration by contributing their quota to the growth of the state.

  • Ayade mourns former Senate President, Dr Wayas

    Ayade mourns former Senate President, Dr Wayas

    Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade has lamented the passing of Second Republic Senate President, Dr Joseph Wayas, describing his death as a monumental loss to Cross River State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

    Dr Wayas died in the early hours of Tuesday in a London hospital.

    In a press statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Christian Ita, Ayade said Dr Wayas left indelible footprints on the sands of time.

    “As a state, Cross River is in pains as we mourn the passing of our illustrious son. He was a rare gem. Dr Wayas’ demise is indeed a monumental loss to our dear state and Nigeria”, Ayade was quoted as saying in the statement.

    According to the governor, ” as Senate President, Dr Wayas contributed to the deepening of Nigeria’s democratic ethos through his robust and vibrant leadership of the upper legislative chamber.

    “And since his retirement from active politics, the former Senate President had been playing a fatherly and stabilising role in the politics and affairs of our state.”

    He condoled with Dr Wayas’ family, assuring them that his demise is a collective loss and the pains a shared one.

    “We are with you in this moment of grief. We have you in our hearts and prayers,” the government assured the deceased family.

  • New COVID-19 variant: Ayade suspends 2021 Carnival Calabar

    New COVID-19 variant: Ayade suspends 2021 Carnival Calabar

    Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade, has suspended the 2021 Calabar Carnival.

    Announcing the suspension of the 2021 Carnival at State Executive Council Chamber, attended by carnival band leaders, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Eteng Jones Williams, members of the state Executive Council, local government chairman from the 18 Council areas of the state, Governor Ayade cited the health concerns arising from the outbreak of COVID-19 variant, Omicron as well as prevailing security situation as reasons for the suspension. He said he would not as a governor and leader compromise the lives and safety of the citizens for the fleeting excitement of the carnival.

    Before announcing the suspension, Ayade had subjected the decision to popular votes, following which majority of the stakeholders voted for the suspension of the carnival.

  • One of Cross River Assembly lawmakers who refused defecting with Gov Ayade to APC is dead

    One of Cross River Assembly lawmakers who refused defecting with Gov Ayade to APC is dead

    Lawmaker representing Akpabuyo Constituency in the Cross River House of Assembly, Mrs. Elizabeth Ironbar, is dead.

    She died in the early hours of Wednesday after a protracted illness according to family sources.

    The second term lawmaker was elected under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP).

    She was one of the eight Assembly members that refused to move to the All Progressives Congress(APC) with Governor Ben Ayade.

    Late Ironbar will be remembered for insisting the Chief Judge of Cross River Justice Akon Ikpeme should be confirmed despite the popular notion that she is an indigene by marriage and not birth.

    She became the second Assembly member to die in the current dispensation.

    Meanwhile, Governor Ben Ayade, Cross River State has expressed sadness over the death of a member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. (Lady) Elizabeth Edem Ironbar.

    In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr Christian Ita, Ayade described the lawmaker’s death as a huge loss to the state.

    “As a government, we are saddened by the unfortunate departure of Hon Elizabeth Edem Ironbar. She was a proud daughter of our dear state and a consummate lawmaker.

    “Her demise is a huge loss to Cross River and the State House of Assembly. Hon. Ironbar’s robust contributions to legislation in our state will be sorely missed,” the governor said.

    While condoling with the Ironbar family and the state House of Assembly for the irreparable loss, he prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased.

  • Ayade absent as South South govs move to join suit against FG on VAT, launch own security outfit ‘very soon’

    Ayade absent as South South govs move to join suit against FG on VAT, launch own security outfit ‘very soon’

    Governors of the South-South have resolved that states in the region should join the suit filed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) challenging the collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) by states.

    This formed part of the resolutions reached at the meeting of the South-South Governors’ Forum held on Monday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

    Delta State Governor and Chairman of the forum, Ifeanyi Okowa, disclosed this while briefing reporters at the end of the closed-door meeting.

    While Rivers was initially the only respondent to the suit pending before the Court of Appeal, authorities in Lagos and Oyo states have already filed applications for joinder in the appellate court.

    Meanwhile, the forum deliberated extensively on regional and national issues and resolved to approve the establishment of a regional security outfit to be launched “very soon”.

    The governors appealed to the National Assembly to immediately review and amend sections of the recently enacted Petroleum Industrial Act.

    They explained that the amendment was necessary to give a clear definition of a host community and transfer the power to appoint the trustees to state governments.

    The forum also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to respect the law establishing the Nigeria Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by appointing a substantive board.

    They demanded that the report of the forensic audit of the agency recently submitted to the President be made public.

    On the management of the nation’s economy, the governors called for the relocation of the headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and head offices of international oil companies to the states in the Niger Delta region.

    According to them, the request has since been made during a dialogue between stakeholders in the geopolitical zone and a Federal Government delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari.

    Those who attended the meeting include the host, Governor Nyesom Wike, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, and Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was absent at the meeting.

  • Fani-Kayode confesses: How I facilitated defection of Ayade, Umahi, Matawalle; lists three more PDP govs joining APC soon

    Fani-Kayode confesses: How I facilitated defection of Ayade, Umahi, Matawalle; lists three more PDP govs joining APC soon

    Former Minister of Aviation, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The former PDP chieftain was introduced to President Muhammadu Buhari as the newest member of the ruling party on Thursday during a visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    He was led to the meeting with the President by the APC National Caretaker Committee Chairman and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, as well as Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State.

    The Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, was also present at the meeting to introduce Fani-Kayode.

    Shortly after meeting with President Buhari, the new APC member had a session with State House correspondents where he claimed responsibility for the defection of three PDP governors who joined the ruling party – Governor Matawalle (Zamfara), as well as Governor David Umahi (Ebonyi) and Governor Ben Ayade (Cross River).

    Fani-Kayode, a former spokesman for the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, said he was instrumental in the events that led to the defection of the three governors.

    He told State House correspondents that he had been a founding member of the APC and simply returned to the ruling party for the unity of the country.

    The former minister revealed that he was equally wooing three more governors in the main opposition party to join the ruling party.

    He listed them to include Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and Governor Ifeanyi Uguanyi of Enugu State.

    He said whatever opinion anyone may have about his credibility, as a result of his constant change of parties, was up to them.

    Fani-Kayode, a lawyer, used to be a strong critic of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

    He was the Special Assistant on Public Affairs to former President Olusegun Obasanjo between 2003 and 2006.

    Also in 2006, the new APC member served as the Minister of Culture and Tourism for a few months before he was later appointed as the Minister of Aviation later that year.