Efio-Ita Nyok|9 October 2016
On Friday, 7 October Governor Ben Ayade was treated to a grand reception at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport as he returned from Abuja. His return is not unconnected to the Joe Agi SAN Vs PDP and Ayade as third respondent. Recall that come 9 December 2016 the Supreme Court will deliver its judgment on the said case. The grand reception was a purported statement of support for the Governor by Cross Riverians. I call it purported statement of support because feelers have it that the crowd was a rented one. The Governor's aides were said to contribute N40, 000 each for the renting of the crowd.
What follows are the exact statements made by Ayade upon his return to Cross Riverians: in his statement, Ayade claims he was called by God to become governor. Interestingly, the governor did not make any reference to the specific details surrounding his case especially that of contradictory declaration of age. Hear him out:
“I was preparing to run election for the senate when God called me and said I should come and be governor. I am a servant of God and I urge you all to put me in prayers.
“God shall not forsake us at this point; His miracle will prevail at the appointed time. When the righteous people are ruling, God will take control.
“God has the final say in this case. You can have the capacity to manipulate man, but you cannot manipulate God.
“I came into this office as governor under the inspiration of God.
“Today, we are before the court of man to decide the faith and destiny of Cross River people. God shall take control and establish himself.
“Truly, in the name of God, I am totally innocent. If I come before the court of man, I come with supplication for clemency from God,
“I dedicate today to God that if I truly came to serve the people, He will surely see us through. If the worst happens, then it is God’s will.
“We have no capacity to appeal at this level. We are now appealing to God that knows our hearts in this case in question,”
Efio-Ita Nyok
Is a Blogger & the Editor of NegroidHaven.org
