By Egbara Emmanuel Ikaba.
October 13,2018
The history of our great nation seems not to be complete without the exploits of Cross river people being written in gold; we got a lot of great men and women from the state scattered all over the world, making remarkable contributions and recording key milestone in their respective field of endeavours.
Besides, political consciousness/participation of this people typically makes the state politics appear sophisticated, and also availing the political landscape as a type worthy of emulation.
Therefore the leadership of the state cannot be left in the hands of those who lack values, character, requisite-experience and integrity.
Despite the impressive display of representative and all inclusive style of government which is a hallmark of democracy, Governor Benedict AYADE has not only justified the critics as governor but has sufficiently and effectively demonstrated that he has the capacity and the wherewithal to lead, and making himself accountable to the people (the tax payers). It is instructive to note that great nations are built by great men of vision, not by men dolling out a worthless blue and brown papers.
There is total turn around from old ways of doing things in the state. Since his inception in office on 29 May 2015, Digital (as he fondly called by his supporters), has distanced himself from praise-singers, and sycophants but prides in receiving good advisers, performers, and ultimately critics with constructive criticisms, which accordingly have helped to foster vibrancy and resourcefulness in governance.
While I deem it necessary to detach myself from the work of a praise singer which is never the tradition of any Yala man (flesh and blood); yet am more inspired to open up on a few things I have observed, which ostensibly avail Governor Ayade as leader with high premium of value and purpose. Some leaders depend on godfathers, this gentleman solely depends on God that is why his records of success know no bounds.
Those who described the legacies of Governor Benedict AYADE as fulcrum that would automatically catapult him to another four years as Chief Executive in May 2019 are simply spot on, while I strongly disagree with some paid hatchet men who have argued that 2019 may be rough for him, by the sheer shenanigans of so-called political forces that are aligning against him.
The AYADE administration's greatest achievement in office over the years is the connection of the people with government and ensuring peace and tranquillity among the populace.
Amazingly, the efforts by the judiciary to deepen democracy in Nigeria and the challenge of consolidating the nation political gains remained the task of all stakeholders, the electorate, political parties, electoral umpire (INEC), and the media.
If I may swiftly react to the tantrums and vituperations of his detractors, I think I have this to say: If Governor Ayade had not performed how come in the health sector the governor won a national award, and his efforts also recognised by the World Health Organisation? How come infant mortality ratio in Cross river state which was among the worst in the country turned out to be the most positive in the whole country within three years of his government?
How come, for the first time in many years, the state government ensured payment of salaries as at when due ?
Putting the records straight once more, Governor Ayade did great and novel things in the state; the people will never forget the Garment Factory which is his brainchild, a modern and organised structure ,first of its kind in Nigeria.
Also to his credit is the provision of a world class Rice seedlings factory.
At the moment Governor Ayade is simultaneously building sport centres to advance and aid sports development as well as to encourage effective participation from youths so that new talents can be discovered for the purpose of doing the state proud nationally and internationally.
For the avoidance of doubt the Yala /Ogoja road dualisation which is ongoing, when completed will be the best thing to happen to road networking in the history of the state.
Moreover, in order to actualise thorough information dissemination and to encourage practise of excellent journalism, which over the years was considered as a profession that is less attractive to the youths, the Governor constituted a media team.
Today the participation and acceptance by the youths into print and broadcast journalism has been quite tremendous.
The critics should continue with what they know how to do best, Governor Ayade sees that as springboard for performance and not distraction.
In the aspect of employment, this dynamic administration led by Governor Ayade is not found wanting at all; available facts speak volume.
Apart from the normal employment into the administrative cadre of the state ministries when he assumed the mantle of leadership in the state, his volunteer project is one thing to behold. In the previous year the project employed about 2000 unemployed school leavers of various levels.
Last year the employment scheme was increased by another 1,500 school leavers while information has it that another 2000 might be added to the figure this fiscal year.
The focus of the project is to train these unemployed youths in various vocational skills, paying them while in training monthly and at the end provide the enabling financial succour that can make them to be self employed, self-reliant and contribute economically to the growth of the state.
The state simply shows that it cannot afford to allow its young and able citizens to roam the streets and get lured into crimes.
An idle mind is the devil workshop. But for this proactive government instead of pulling every available limited resource to combat crimes it however provides avenues that can gainfully engage those that can turn to crime and hinge their energy on the hub of development in the state for economic prosperity.
It is a demonstration of a government that has human face and that has the interest of its people at heart.
It is important to note that housing is one of the key factors that sustain human survival apart from food and clothing and this government is not treating this with kid gloves at all. The current administration has also embarked on urban renewal, the master plan of that will help to absorb the renewal of major urban centres.
They is know how and when to separate chaff from the real deal and they are never displeased with this visionary governor who is consistently and dispassionately delivering his campaign promises.
No wonder some well-meaning Cross riverians set up a group which is currently canvassing for a second term tenure for Ayade.
Once again the good people of Cross river state have the final say when it comes to deciding who governs them in May 2019.
His unwavering commitment and achievements remain intimidating to his detractors and forces from the opposing camp.
TEV_Media
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