Cross Rivers: Former Gov’nor, Monarch Move Against Ayade |The Source

By Tosin Olatokunbo

Prominent politicians in Cross Rivers state including the Obong of Calabar Edidem Ekpo Otu are obviously not happy with the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade’s style of leadership and have blamed him for the wanton destruction of private and public property during the last EndSARS protest.

Properties destroyed by hoodlums and protesters angry over police brutality include those of former Governor Liyel Imoke and Ndoma Egba, a former Senate Leader and All Progressives Congress, APC chieftain in the state.

The two politicians as well as the foremost traditional ruler are believe to be very angry with the state governor particularly the manner he handled the protest, apart from accusation of politics of exclusion by the governor.

Imoke helped Ayade become governor and has been known to be his ardent backer since he left office five years ago.

The monarch has therefore demanded that the Ayade steps down from office as the governor of the state.

The Obong made the demand while former Governor Imoke whose wife lost a supermarket during the EndSARS protesters, paid him a courtesy visit.

He reportedly said the governor needs to step aside to enable an interim administration come up so that he can learn governance.

He accused the governor of not carrying leaders in the state along since he came into office, blaming his failure to hold regular security meetings with security agencies in the state for the wanton destruction, looting and arson that took place two weeks ago during the protest.

According to the Obong “This thing would not have happened if he had called the security people together after hearing what happened in Lagos and other places; If he had called them together and tell them, look my friends; nothing should happen in my state,” he said.

“The Governor should be able to open his door for people to come in, and should work with everybody. We have to face it; we don’t need to play around with it; we cannot continue this way. You tell him that there is a need for total reconciliation; a total rehabilitation of whatever he has been doing.

Governor Ayade is running a one man show because he has failed to realize that “Everybody matters in this state. He should be able to talk to people. He wouldn’t call you and even when you call him, he doesn’t answer the call. Nobody talks to him,” the traditional ruler said obviously in anger

Former Governor Imoke while speaking said all hands must be on deck for a peaceful resolution of problems facing the state.

“We need your guidance as we go about looking for solutions to the challenge of young people who are unemployed and have grievances; young people who think they don’t have the opportunities others have had,” Imoke said.