The Government of Cross River State, on Saturday, replied what it termed the ‘unsavory innuendos and disparaging remarks’ made by the Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State against his colleague, Ben Ayade.
Governor Wike had during a Media Briefing on Rivers State progress report on Coronavirus pandemic on Friday which was broadcasted live on AIT and several online Media as well as Radio and Television Stations, 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.
The governor also queried why the Federal Government asked Rivers State to get her share of the palliative Rice through Cross River State.
Comrade Asu Okang, Cross River State’s commissioner for Information & Orientation in a statement frowned at the “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 needs 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 grievances against the APC- controlled Federal Government in Abuja.
“Governor Ayade is a highly revered 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 governance for the overall interest of the citizenry.
“In this regard, Governor Ayade’s enviable relationship with the the President at the centre should not be misconstrued 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”.
