Category: Opinion

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State

By Solomon Inok

By Inok Solomon

Some people foolishly believe that only money can make money. This is not true! Money, of itself, is nothing but insert of matter. It cannot move, think, or talk, but it can ‘hear’ when one who desire it calls it to come.

 “The world does not pay for what you know, it pays for what you do or induce others to do.” You may know so much, yet can do just little compared to another man.

What is the reason for most failures in life?  The fact that we first thought failure.  We allow competition,  hard times,  fear,  worry and doubt to undermine our confidence.

Like Governor Ayade, we need to work aggressively ahead, spending money to make more money, we need not stop any possible outlay, or try to play safe, yet expecting others to continue spending with us. “War is not the only place where “the best defensive is a strong offensive.”

The law of compensation is always at work. Man is not at the caprice of fate. He is his own fate. “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”

Governor Ayade said, “A successful man has no time to think of failure.  He is too busy thinking up new ways to succeed.”  “You can’t pour water into a vessel already full.” The problems of this present times, the perilous times hard to deal with, is for us all to unravel and solve. We must build a future for the generations to come, and that time is now.

Our state is still Virgin gold, undiscovered,  unclaimed. We can think it into anything we wish. Into gold or dross, into health or sickness, wealth or poverty, strength or weakness, into success or failure. Which shall it be? “There is nothing either  good or bad,” said Shakespeare,  “but thinking makes it so.”

The understanding of this law will enable us to control every other law that exists. Thoughts are causes. Conditions are merely effects. We can mold ourselves and our surroundings by resolutely directing our thoughts towards the goals we have in mind.

Most times, we fear of competition from followers or even equals. Fears that one of the followers or those around us will take what we know and so we refuse to do what we aught to do or use it fully to induce others to do more. The more we reserve, the more we reduce the pay. And when you fear that others will take your position, practically be sure to realise that fear sooner or later.

You must multiply yourself and be at many places as possible, giving attention to many things at the same time. It is an eternal truth that people receive more pay for their ability to get others to perform than they could possibly earn by their own efforts.

This is real and practical in Cross River today as Governor Ayade being an efficient leader, through knowledge of his capabilities and the magnetism of his personalities, character, integrity,  and foresight,  is greatly increasing the efficiency of the people of Cross Riverians mostly youths. Inducing us to render more
 service and better service than he could do himself.

Cross River Youth, why did Jesus with all His power, not take the riches that were offered him and use them to do good? Couldn’t He have done more good with them than poor as He was? I wonder sometimes if the sons of the rich add value to our society? Seems to me the sons of the rich are pretty worthless, on the whole.

Jesus felt the greatest need of His day was not to take money or power and show what could be done with it, but to convince the common man that he is not a mere worm to be trodden under the feet of the rich men and rulers; not a slave, but a son of God, heir to all the earth. That it was he that God had in mind when he gave man dominion over the earth.

Today, Governor Ayade is making every youth in Cross River to feel equal, accepted,  capable and heir and that each one of us is who God had in mind when he gave man dominion over the earth.

It is true that the sons of great men seldom do amount to much, but the reason for it is not our artificial standard of values, not merely in the fact that their parents have too much money.
What does happiness consist of? Mostly in looking forward to greater happiness,  a day or a month or year from now. What does ambitions consist? In looking forward to something bigger, Greater,  a day or month or year from now.

A thousand years ago, China was centuries ahead of the Western powers. Then she got far behind them. Why? Because instead of looking ahead, she looked backward. Her religion was ancestor – worship.

In a lesser degree, that is the trouble with the rich men’s sons of today, they worship what their fathers have done instead of looking ahead to the doing of greater things themselves.

We cannot change the past experience, but we can determine what the new ones shall be like.  We can make the coming day just what we want it to be. We can be tomorrow what we think today.

Arise Youths of Cross River and join Governor Ayade to make a future that our hands can determine our pay, what we know and do or induce others to do will fill our store houses with plenty.

By Paulyne Eba

The Cross River State Government has decried the continuous under-representation of women and children in decision making process on environment at International, National and Local levels despite progress made so far.

The State Governor, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade made government position known in a paper he delivered at the opening of a 4-day International colloquium on the “marginalization in African philosophy: Women and the Environment”, holding at the Bassey Ndah Institute for African and Asian Studies, University of Calabar, Calabar.

The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ivara Ejemot Esu, stated that despite the slow pace of change in this direction, significant progress has been recorded in the area of increase women participation in the areas of environment.

According to the Governor, some of the reason militating against the progress to include high illiteracy rates of women, limited access to natural resources, lack of information and training, stereotypical attitudes regarding their roles as well as insufficient research on gender equality and environment as well as political commitments among others.

He disagreed with some extreme cases of gender discrimination and marginalization in certain communities where women are made to speak different languages from the men only because they are inferior.

He however expressed the hope that today there are changes for the better as women in Africa and indeed the world over are now occupying appointing offices and decision making position.

In a key not lecture Titled ‘Peripherasity and Non-philosophy in African philosophy: Gender, the Environment and other Provocations’ the guest lecturer, Professor Bruce Janz of the University of Central Florida, of the United State of America, dwelt extensively on the distinction between the conventional school of philosophy.

The Professor of Central Florida also noted that his lecture is aimed at highlighting the blind spot in African philosophy with two approaches which are science base and truth, fact and experience base.

In his welcome address on the occasion, Chief Host and Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor Zana Akpagu noted that the number of Professors who have converged from across the globe: the United Kingdom, the United States of America, the Netherlands, Zimbabwe, Australia, South Africa, Cameroun and Ethiopia to mention but a few, who have come to deliberate and philosophies, on the topical issue of marginalization in African Philosophers attach to the topic and the issues surrounding it.

Prof. Akpagu commended being able to host an International Conference of that magnitude within it one-and-a-half years of existence adding that the theme of the conference is timely as it is coming at a time when issues of women require more attention from governments corporate bodies and academic researchers in sub-saharan Africa, stating further that the issue of disregard and abuse of the environment deserve attention by elite and special groups of academics such as this one.

The vice chancellor narrowed down the theme to the realities of Cross River State where issues of logging and deforestation as well as matrilineal practices regarding women and inheritance are often discussed in general terms.

Speaking in an opening remarks the Director, Bassey Andah Institute of African and Asian Studies, Professor Chris Nwamuo maintained that the standard of the institute is modelled after the standard of oriental and African studies at the University of London, hence is above all other institutes in Nigeria in excellence.

Prof. Nwamuo expressed delight at hosting the first ever International Colloquium on African Philosophy adding that it is a thing of pride to host twenty four (24) Professors from all over the world and expressed the hope that the meeting will among other things help to encourage some partnership among the participating Universities.

He then urged participants and visitors alike to savour the excitement of the ancient and ancestral city of Calabar.

Paulyne Eba is the PA to the Cross River State Deputy Governor on Media and Press. 

By Edward Ntebri Egbelo

“No child will go to bed with no food on his stomach”, those were his words that day, the day Cross River State experienced an everlasting eclipse of economic prosperity. When those words echoed from the walls of the Calabar International Convention Center to the radio/television waves all around the world, many thought it was a mere political mantra to catch the indepth passion of the masses towards Ayade. The journey started with the mindset he developed within himself as a leader and he transfigured this vision into an action plan of economic prosperity.

It was glaring that the possibility of keeping the ship afloat the top of the large ocean was a difficult task, but considering Ayade’s exposure and passion, the task of injecting the right seed into the fertile soil of Cross River State gradually became a reality in the state. He surpassed most of those challenges and started projects that one would wonder where he gets funds to finance these projects, considering the quality and capacity you find in all of these projects. There is a new born Cross River State inside a womb many never expected such a beautiful child, but the child is here to stay.

Many never knew that the start was a rough one, a beginning that saw salaries been owed, contracts been suspended owing to lack of funds, etc.. but Ayade never rejected the challenge, neither did he make excuses. Just like a father that knows the importance of an educated child, he went to the streets to attract attention and collaboration from the International community and now Cross River State Is gradually growing up to become a state that pays little attention to what comes from the Federal Government, Cross River State is now like a Vatican City in Italy, with an economy that is resilient to shocks.

Cross River State, receives very little from the Federal Government disbursement to states, but it’s not always about the brand of aircraft, but the capacity of the pilot to take you to your destination safely. There is a new Cross River in Nigeria, revolution is finding it’s way into the heart of every Cross Riverian, Cross Riverians now see hardtimes as an opportunity to develop new ideas on how to develop the economic front of the state. All these wouldn’t have been possible without a right thinking leader, a leader that knows how to do the job without excuses.

Of course everybody now wants to do business with Cross River State, business flights flying in and out the state, an atmosphere that encourages both local and international businesses. Cross River State is now like a child that no longer waits for her mother to take the feeding-bottle to her mouth, she knows how to feed herself, even with little or no assistance from her mother. What many saw as impossible is already happening in the state, salaries are been paid, roads are been constructed, rural communities getting pipeborne water/electricity, agriculture developing to the next level, new projects springing up all over the state. Admist the harsh economic realities, Cross River State is working.

There is now a foundation for industrial development in Cross River State, food security is assured. But there is one thing we must remember “governance is no longer a board room affair, governance has been taken to the doorstep of not only Cross Riverians but to all living in Cross River State. A captain has taken his army to the war front, with very little weapons, but he believes in the bravery and skills of his soldiers. Ayade is the newest brand in Nigerian politics, he has properly defined how governance works in a modern society that is so much dependent on a single source as a means of livelihood.

By Princewill Odidi

All things being equal, 10 wealthy Nigerians can bring in starched funds from Swiss and Dubai
Banks to bail us out of this recession .

The problem is they will not do it because they would have to explain how they got the money.

Our economy is built on corruption, the bulk of our money-men got it from the Nigerian state. It is easier for a Carmel to pass through the head of a needle than to find a Nigerian business or wealthy man whose money is not connected to state power either by overrated contracts or fraudulent waivers.

Upon the collapse of the communist economy in Russia, the bulk of state wealth remained in the hands of some powerful Russian Oligarchs, military and party Chiefs.

The incoming government in Russia post communism understood that capitalism thrives with individual enterprises, so they looked the other side and today those generals constitute the backbone of the Russian capitalist economy.

The Russian government looked the other side and decided not to launch probes with an understanding of don’t take the money out to Swiss banks, leave the money here in Russia let’s invest with it.

Successful market economies are successful human and capital bargaining. The Nigerian commonwealth has been looted and raped of her resources by a selfish cabal for the past 60 years.

These funds are lodged in several banks in Swiss, Dubai, UK and America under several aliases. Do we continue to chase these cabal around the world and forfeit it , or is time to seat down and negotiate with them to bring back these funds running into almost a trillion dollars, under a special reconciliatory national, non prosecutory protective status?

It is not every time that being right is always right. Remember even the bible states, no man puts his hand into a plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of heaven.

Mr President should look forward, let’s start afresh, history will remember him more for looking forward than fixing backwards. The history of all known great leaders are those who changed their societies going forward not fixing backwards. Ghandhi forgave the British and preached non violence, even Jesus proclaimed, he that hath no sin should cast the first stone.

Sometimes the benefit of forgiving a mans sins outweighs the cost of prosecution and jail time. In South Africa, they understood this principle quite on time, Mandela set up the truth and reconciliation panel, charged the people, speak the truth and explain your level of involvement, it may hurt the victims, but I will let you go free.

This strategy worked and In no distant time, South Africa was once again on the path of growth. Can Buhari learn any lesson from either Russia or South Africa. It is difficult to engage the economic ruling classes in a fight and still get a successful economy.

If Buhari can negotiate with the Nigerian economic class majority of whom are aligned with the past regime for 16 years, not only will we get back on our feet, but the insurgency, the militancy and all economic saboteurs including Nigerians hoarding their monies at home and overseas would all come on board for us to build one of the greatest economies in the 21st century.

By Princewill Odidi

Obiano of Anambra state can we’ll be described as a Governor ready to lead. You have not succeeded as a leader until your successor succeeds. Peter Obi laid a solid foundation, and today Obiano has established that Peter Obi was a success.

Nelson Mandela served one term, built the structures of democracy, repositioned the ruling party and created a structure to produce real leadership, handed over to his deputy Mbeki, who was ready to lead.

States in Nigeria that are currently facing economic challenges, check carefully, those states have leadership challenges. You do not need money to succeed as a Governor, what you need are credible sound partners who can think outside the box and create wealth for the state. Inability of any leader to pull together a resourceful team, is the first sign of failure.

The fact that some states have established sustained continuity like lagos and Anambra is a clear indication that some godfathers groom leaders to take over from them, while some spend their time grooming followers who never get mature to lead but basque in the comfort of remaining followers.

In a recent conversation with one my university colleagues Mike Balonwu, who served as Anambra State Speaker, he pointed out that the relationship between Peter Obi when he was Governor and Obiano was not a master-boy relationship, it was a relationship of peers and colleagues built on mutual respect. Peter Obi handed over to someone he psychologically related to as a man not a boy. This is a lesson for African democracy.

This also applied to Tinubu. During his days as Lagos Governor, his commissioners had powers to take independent decisions, they could even award contracts independent of the Governor.

The outcome of grooming leaders instead of grooming followers and praise singers is what we are seeing today in some states.

Fashola ended up a resourceful Governor who continued where Tinubu stopped, and Ambode continued where Fashola stopped, and one of his Commissioners is today the Vice President in the person of Yemi Osinbajo.

Again, as I said earlier, you do not succeed as a leader until your successors succeed. 

A true leaders dream is to build people who would aspire higher them in the course of their travails. The consequence of building followers instead of leaders is that, for followers, once the support base is withdrawn, either they return to the streets or they switch allegiance.

Hope our leaders can learn from history which remains our greatest teacher. Build leaders of tomorrow, not followers to sing your praise while you live. It’s not late, we can still get it right.

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State buying groundnuts by the roadside shop when taking a stroll across the city of Calabar

We celebrate Leaders from other climes for simplicity as signs of good leadership, but blind our eyes to these same attitudes when demonstrated by some of our leaders.

Governor Ayade had done some remarkable things, including street walks, when He is seen speaking to Cross Riverians, even buying and eating groundnut from road side vendors.

Some few days back, the Member Representing Bekwarra, Obudu and Obanliku in the Federal House of Representative, Hon. Legor Idagbor was seen at Effio-Ette Round about buying Banana for himself in a simple short.

Sometimes I wonder why Nigerians will go abroad and take pictures of themselves shopping on the streets of these cities but while in Nigeria, we feel such attitudes send no message and add no value to our positions as leaders.

Only ‘Wrong Attitude’  can make a man buy Banana from Nigeria on a street in London and feel proud to take pictures for the world to see, and refuse to see that too as important doing it in Nigeria to showcase our values.

Ayade and Legor, we say thank you and keep doing Nigeria proud in your attitudes.

“What we do not appreciate will depreciate.” To grow our economy, we must appreciate our own. You cant have soil for Rice and Import rice and expect growth. Recession is all you get.

By Inok Solomon

How many Politicians and Employees of Government are happy with the situation of their stocks, bonds, and mutual funds in pensions schemes and retirement benefits? Non of course! Capital gains, compounding interest are all nonsense to compounding inflation.

Today, most people spend a lot of time learning how to earn money. We go to school to get a high paying job, spend years working at the job to earn money, do their best to save it. Invest into Capital Gains ventures instead of simple cash flow. And today, all find themselves in financial crisis.

It is more important that we know how to spend our money, not just earn or save it. People who spend their money wisely will always be more prosperous than those who save their money wisely. Our civil service society save money wisely and grow poorer by day. Today, we are worst hit by the economic crisis due to Inflation.

By spending,  means investing or converting money into long lasting value. The rich understand that in today’s economy, you cannot become wealthy by sticking your money  under a mattress or even worse, in a bank.

We need to know how to spend our money on assets that retain their value, provide income, jobs, adjust for inflation, and go up in value, not down.

A good study of Governor Ayade’s programmes since inception in May, 2015, point to value added, job creation,  anti inflationary, income generating and self sustainable.
From the Garment Factory targeted to one basic needs of man, clothing, inflation can not stop us from wearing clothes. The Deep Sea Port,  no inflation and economic crisis will stop importation and exportation of goods and services at the sea port. The Rice City for food production can’t be stopped by inflation because man must eat. The Calapharms for Medicine production, we can tell no time, not even war can stop man from taking medications. The superhighway,  movement of goods and services including man can’t be stopped by inflation.
These are all investment potential areas that take advantage of crisis periods.

Some critics depended on Bailout Funds so much because they lack the simple knowledge of money. “A Bailout is used when the rich want the taxpayers to pay for their mistakes or their fraud.”

We need no job security but financial security. The difference between financial security and financial panic can be as simple as knowing the difference between capital gain and cash flow.

Inflation eat one to death and the other survive inflation. Its pays to focus on cash flow rather than capital gains because the more we know how to control cash flow the more our capital gains increase, and so our financial security. And it is easier to invest for cash flow during a financial crisis.

It is vital therefore, for us all to start thinking on how to spend on investment rather than invest in savings. Ayade is creating the enabling environments.

By Ifere Paul

Reliable information from government house sources revealed that a man from the UK who is from Creek Town in Calabar arrived Cross River State with a business portfolio that will attract employment of over 5000 people but the governor turned down the offer.

The guy, name withheld who came to construct an oil refinery in the State was asked by the Governor to pay 11 Billion Naira for the hectares of land he requested that the government to provide for him.

According to the guy, the refinery would have about 10 modular refineries located in one place. The man announced that the production capacity would have been more than the refineries in Port Harcourt, and would have put Cross River State on the nation’s map as oil production hub.

The man is shocked that a governor who travels around the world seeking for MoU abroad would actually turn down investors with genuine interest in the development of the State.

The man concluded that Governor Ben Ayade is a con artist.