Former Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade followed strict and due process approving contracts, and land allocations, among others, a statement by his media aide, Egbelo Edward said yesterday.
Contrary to an online publication purportedly written by Emmanuel Ogbeche, Press Secretary to Governor Bassey Otu, he stated that every approval, including major land allocations, compulsorily passed through the scrutiny of the Executive Council, due process, and audit before getting the final nod of Ayade.
The statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to an online publication purportedly authored by Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche, the press Secretary to Governor Bassey Otu
“We want to state categorically that under Governor Ben Ayade, at no time was any government approval granted via Whatsapp or any social media channel as opined by Mr. Ogbeche.
“Appointees of the Ayade administration are still alive and can bear testimonties to the rigorous procedure of securing government approvals.
“Every approval, including major land allocations, compulsorily passed through the scrutiny of the Executive Council, Due Process and Audit before getting to the final nod of Governor Ayade.
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“Former Governor Ayade and Governor Otu share a very cordial relationship that has lasted for years, dating back to their years as lawmakers in the National Assembly.
“It is important for Mr. Ogbeche and his co-travelers to note that such a statement will be misinterpreted as a rift between Governor Otu and his immediate predecessor, His Excellency, Prof. Ben Ayade.
“We are not unaware of Mr. Ogbeche’s long-standing romance with the PDP, therefore, it is now imperative to state emphatically that Mr. Ogbeche is a PDP agent sent to cause disaffection among members of the APC in Cross River State.
“We advise Ogbeche to tread carefully and respect the existing peace and harmony amongst members of the APC family in Cross River State.
“Ayade gave his all to ensure Governor Bassey Otu emerged victorious in the last gubernatorial election, so, Mr. Ogbeche is a beneficiary of Ayade’s wise decision and shouldn’t be acting like a fifth columnist.
“The APC family in Cross River State remains one indivisible family.”