As the saying goes in politics, no friendship or enmity is permanent! What is permanent is the interests of politicians.
Few months after assuming office as Governor of Cross River state, Senator Bassey Otu, went after officials of the former administration led by his political benefactor, Senator Ben Ayade. He was ‘recovering’ assets of the state from these former officials. With that episode, it was clear that all wasn’t well between Otu and Ayade, but Otu’s supporters dismissed any rift between both Cross River leaders.
They said, “Governor Otu is not witch-hunting Ben Ayade.” This statement was recently reechoed in March 2024 by Barrister Alphonsus Eba, the Chairman of APC in the state.
On 3rd of April 2024, the state government through the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ankpo Edet, accused Ben Ayade of emptying the state’s treasury and bequeathing decayed infrastructure to the Otu administration. That set the ground for a full-blown political confrontation between a former and incumbent.
Today, the House of Assembly Speaker Elvert Anyabem, was impeached by members loyal to Governor Otu… it has begun! This looming fight will only serve to enrich crisis entrepreneurs from both sides and their families, rather than bringing any meaningful resolution or progress for the people.
– Tonye Barcanista
