Calabar
The people of Northern senatorial district of Cross River state have said they would organise a formal reception ceremony in honour of Governor Ben Ayade for doing them proud.
Speaking while briefing journalists in Calabar yesterday, the chairman of the media/publicity sub-committee of the event, Ntufam Peter Ojie, said arrangements were in top gear to ensure a hitch-free reception ceremony which he said “shall take place on February 24 in Ogoja.”
He said since Ayade was the first and only governor to ever emerge from the zone, he needed to be encouraged and appreciated.
“This is the first time in the history of Cross River state for someone from northern part of the state to become governor, and besides, he has made us proud.
“If you recall, there was a reception organised for former Governor Donald Duke who is from the Southern senatorial district when he was governor, and another one for Senator Liyel Imoke, who comes from the central, during his time in charge. It will only be fair for us to also receive our own son as it was done for others,” he said.
He said the event would be chaired by former Rivers state military administrator, Brig Gen Anthony Ukpo (retd.), while former Senate President, Joseph Wayas, Senator Musa Adede, Barrister Kanu Agabi, Nicolas Damashi, amongst others, would be special guests of honour besides other personalities who would grace the occasion.
“We have invited every son and daughter of the northern senatorial district and other Cross Riverians to the event, no matter your political affiliation. This is not a political gathering. We want to use the event to thank God for also making our son Governor.”
