Cross River APC Chairman Defends Governor Otu and Ayade, Denies Witch-Hunt Allegations

The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Barrister Alphonsus Eba, defended Governor Bassey Otu and his predecessor, Prof. Ben Ayade, against allegations of witch-hunting.

The chairman’s remarks come in the wake of the Cross River State Assembly’s ongoing efforts to recover alleged stolen government properties.

Eba emphasized that Governor Otu and Ayade share a strong bond, as Ayade played a significant role in Otu’s gubernatorial victory.

He stressed that the governor would not allow anyone to create discord between them, and the party would also stand against any attempts to do so.

Regarding the recovery of properties, Eba clarified that the Cross River Assembly has the authority to take necessary actions and maintained that no one would defend fraud.

He also corrected the use of the word “stolen” in relation to the recovered items, stating that government equipment was found at a government construction site.

The chairman mentioned some of the recovered items, including heavy-duty tractors allegedly taken by Ayade’s former officials and a 100-bed hotel in Abuja sold for six million naira to an unknown person.

Additionally, the private renovation of the Cross River Liaison House in Abuja was halted.

Eba’s statements serve to dispel rumors of a rift between Governor Otu and Ayade, as well as reassure the public that the Cross River State government is taking appropriate action to address the issue of stolen or misused government properties.