Ayade, Deliberately Promoting a People's Centred Governance in Cross River

By: Solomon Asha

The Governor of Cross River State, Sir Ben Ayade, has indeed proven over the time beyond reseasonabe doubt that his major policy direction as derives from his inner strength and conviction hinged on his philosophy of life which has been and will always be the welfare and interests of not just the people but the commonest of the people.

It would not be a surprise thing to those who are familiar with the the Cross River governor's unrepentant and firm believe on the African ethical and moral world view of always providing a shoulder to the weaker ones to lean on, and worthy virtue which he has imported into modern governance through his leadership style as well as his deep religious conviction and faith in God that the governor's every step and policy direction is not without the people's interests.

Indeed, the Obudu Born Governor of Cross River has proven that he is a man with a listening ear, and would always go down to the commonest of all to hear them out, while Ayade's tears are ever close by ready to roll down his check to his chest when touched by the plight of an ordinary man or woman facing difficulties of any kind. He has on several occasions been overwhelmed by deep and altruistic emotions and acted with dispatch the remedy the situation for such an individual or individuals.

Therefore, mentioning all the people oriented policies of Sir Ben Ayade such as prompt and regular payment of workers salaries, expanded government and food in the table and hands on the plow, empowerments and employments to the widows and other vulnerable groups, renovation and upgrading of Primary Health Centres across the state, Ayade Food Bank and Ayadecare, among so many other projects is merely stating the obvious and to just document for history and posterity purposes.

Ayade, not satisfied with the already well known and acclaimed leadership of his tilted towards the commoners, the visionary and sympathetic Cross River leader has now introduced to his government an open consultation with the people,stakeholders in a town hall arrangement after consultation PDP and other relevant groups where the people will have a say as regards those who will eventually form the Cross River State Executive Council between now and May 29, 2023.

A press release signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and.publicity, Mr. Christian Ita, revealed that the Town Hall meeting will involve all the.18 Local Government Areas of the state.

The release dated Wednesday, September 4 2019, with the heading, "Governor Ayade to commence full appointments", went ahead to state, "The State Governor, His Excellency, Sir. Ben Ayade is set to commence full appointments. Consequently, His Excellency in conjunction with the State Council of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as well as the PDP campaign Organization has approved consultative meetings with all the critical stakeholders across the 18 local government areas of the state...".

According to the release that contained the itinerary of the Town Hall meeting which will take place at the prestigious Peregrino Hall, Governor's Lodge, Calabar, Obanliku LGA will take the first shot on Wednesday, September 18, follow by Obudu and Bekwarra LGAs on Thursday and Friday, September 19 and 20, 2019; while the Northern Senatorial District will rounded up its days with Yala and Ogoja LGAs taking their turn on Saturday, September 21 and Monday, September 23, 2019.

The Central Senatorial District will be attended to from Tuesday, September 24, 2019, when Boki Local Government Area will take it's turn; Wednesday, September 25, will be the turn of Ikom; Etung will take the stage on Thursday, September 26, while Obubra, and Abi LGAs will have their turn on Friday and Saturday September, 27, 28, and the Town Hall would be rounded up in the Central with Yakurr on September30, 2019.

Local Government Areas from the Southern Senatorial District of the state will take the stage from Wednesday, October 2, 2019 with Biase LGA; Akamkpa LGA is fixed for Thursday, October 3; Odukpani LGA is for Friday, October 4,. while Calabar Municipality, Akpabuyo, Bakassi and Calabar South LGAs will take their turns on Friday, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, September, 5, 7, 8 and 9, 2019.

In conclusion, the Town Hall itinerary Press release maintained that "All meetings shall be held at the Peregrino Hall by 3pm prompt and those concerned are expected to be seated before the arrival of their excellencies on their respective dates.

The introduction of this style of selecting those who will represent the people in the highest decision making body (State Executive Council), of the Executive Arm of Government in the state is not only novel but equally unique as it will help provide the ordinary people the opportunity to demand explanation from the Executive Council members and make them accountable to the people at the end of the day.

Besides the governor's personal aides, that he has the sole prerogative to appoint and have no say in the making of decisions that will affect the State, either position or negative, it is clear that from the well articulated and people oriented policy of involving the people in the selection of EXCO members of the State, the governor will not be wholly blamed in the even of misconduct and incompetent on the part of any member of the state Executive Council, though the power to appoint and remove from office resides with the governor.

The arranged town hall meeting with stakeholders across the 18 Local Government Areas in the state, beginning with Obanliku on September 18, 2019 and ending with Calabar South Local Government Area on October 9,. 2019, all at the Peregrino Hall, Governor's Lodge, Calabar is a right step and a well calculated policy in the right direction that deserves acolades from all and sundry.

END.

Solomon Asha, is Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ben Ayade.

Most useless governor in the history of Cross River! Some day,I will be the executive governor of Cross River State! I must go after this man,if eventually he is not alive, I will go after his children!!!