The attention of the Government of Cross River State has been drawn to the unsavory innuendos and disparaging remarks made by the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Mr. Nyesom Wike against his colleaque and Digital Governor of Cross River State,His Excellency, Sir (Prof) Ben Ayade; during a Media Briefing on Rivers State progress report on the rampaging Corona Virus pandemic which was broadcasted live on AIT and several online Media as well as Radio and Television Stations.
During that briefing,Governor Wike had sarcastically and severally referred to Governor Ayade as “One of their loyal boys” and so could make any remark against the Federal Government without drawing their anger.” And why the Federal Government asked Rivers State to get her share of the pallative Rice through Cross River State.”
The State Government frowns at this unnecessary vituperations by a brother Governor from the same geo-political zone and political party. It should be made crystal clear here that Governor Wike need not make reference to Governor Ayade and Cross River State in such a disparaging manner, but should have gone ahead to state his case and grieviances against the APC-controlled Federal Government in Abuja.
Governor Ayade is a highly reverred Gentleman with sound character and high pedigree and of exceptional moral standing who has long understood the difference between party politics and governance. Elections we know,are long gone and it is now time for good governace for the overall interest of the citizenry.
In this regard,Governor Ayade’s enviable relationship with the President at the centre should not be miscontrued as a weakness or a lazy approach to governance that should now earn him the tag “Loyal boy”.
While we take exceptions to such disparaging remarks, Government further enjoins Governor Wike to play politics with ethics and sound political judgement as well as refrain from casting aspersions on the character of his colleagues, leading to hasty generalization.
Cross River and Rivers States have come a long way as brothers and whatever differences their Leaders may have in approach to governance should be canvassed at their appropriate high level meetings and not discussed in the public domain such as a live Media Programme.
