Ayade sacks four commissioners and five aides

Ben Ayade, governor of Cross River, has sacked four commissioners and five special advisers in his cabinet.

Last Thursday, Ayade defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he is committed to joining forces with President Muhammadu Buhari “to help build Nigeria”.

“Having seen and known the president and his commitment to this country, his nationalistic disposition and all the efforts he has made to bring Nigeria to where we are today, it is obvious that at this point, we needed to join hands with him to build a Nigeria that we can be proud of,” Ayade had said.

“We need all governors to recognise that it is not (the) party that matters. It is character, honour, commitment to the vision of this great nation.”

The sacking was announced by Christian Ita, Ayade’s special adviser on media and publicity, on Monday.

The sacked commissioners include Asu Okang, commissioner for information; Donatus Etim, who headed the ministry of climate change; Rita Ayim, commissioner for women affairs, and Mike Usibe, commissioner for new cities development.

The affected special advisers are Leo Inyambe, special adviser on security; John Etim, Oil Palm development; Orok Duke, special adviser on Callywood; Victor Okon and Agbiji Mbeh-Agbiji.

“Consequently, they are hereby directed to return government properties and vehicles in their care with immediate effect to the Chief of Staff to the governor,” Ita said.

“The governor thanked them for their services to the state and wishes them well in their future endeavours.”