By Tony Undiandeye
Recently, the Ayades have been in the news for sundry reason – based on each person’s separate perception and understanding of the political and undercurrents: some good and some bad.
By this development, the Ayade family, is gaining popularity and now ranks amongst the popular families in Cross River state. That is expected.
Presently, petitions are being written against the Government of Professor Ben Ayade and his nuclear family.
Ordinarily, I would not have joined the fray. But I have come to realise the main motive for these negative attacks. There is a Bette adage that says; ‘’That it is only a tree that bears fruits, that can attract stones from itinerant school pupils and varied passers-by.’’
Governor Ayade’s laudable and visionary programmes, projects and exemplary leadership, have unnerved and embittered a section of the opposition in Cross River state. These programmes include: The Super Highway; The Deep Seaport, The Cross River State Garment and Textile Factory, Embedded Power Generation and other, too numerous to mention here.
Senator(Professor) Ben Ayade has remained committed and focused on his set goals and objectives. He has a covenant with Cross Riverians and he is determined to fulfil same. He has ,therefore, refused to be distract by all those who have vowed to destabilise his Government and have set about using proxies, employing blackmail and utilising the negative and unprogressive tool of – ‘’Petition Writing.’’
Our dear Governor, obviously understands the aphorism: That if you stay back to throw stones at every dog that barks at you, you will never get to your destination. In our collective quest of driving ‘’Destination Cross River’’ – let the dogs bark.
Considering the litany of investigations going on in Cross River, over financial, administrative and personnel issues: I will like advice that we await the outcome. Any pre-emptive assumption or action in this regard will be unfair and biased. Let all those who are ecstatically baying for Dr. Frank Ayade’s blood remain patient. The die is cast.
I now see the reason why our dear governor has continued to maintain a calm disposition, taking all in his strides – with equanimity.
My candid advice, is for all those who truly mean well and love Cross River State, to rally round the Governor and his administration to seek solutions to all our nagging socio-economic problems: Low IGR and a fall in accruable revenue; outstanding salaries and pensions, decaying and non-existing infrastructure, Upcoming National Sports Festival, Education, Agriculture and Health, amongst others.
This is the time to cease and desist from negativism; pull together, as one people. May Professor Emmauel Ayandele’s postulation: ’’That Cross River State is an atomistic society, that is perpetually at war with itself – wither and die. Amen.
Chief Tony Undiandeye
Senior Special Adviser on Public Affairs.
