While the immediate past governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade is not happy that his successor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu is taking actions believed to be against his interest, many citizens are happy that the governor is reviewing some of the actions of the last government.
They have said the governor should not relent and should go all out to dismantle all the structures of the former governor that were not in the interest of the state and its people.
Between the day Otu took over as governor and now, he has taken some decisive actions seen by the people as deliberate steps at deviating from the immediate past administration.
One of the first actions of Otu took was the freezing of all bank accounts belonging to the state government, while also setting up a team to go after Ayade’s men who took delight in looting the government’s property.
Ayade himself did not vacate his official residence until after Otu’s swearing-in and did not consider setting up a transition committee on time, to work out modalities for a smooth take-over by his successor. Otu had to set up another committee for this purpose when he took over.
As governor for eight years, Ayade paid little attention to the environment of Calabar, a town that was known for its cleanliness, neither did he do anything about the multi-billion naira Tinapa resort that has remained abandoned.
But Otu has spoken vehemently about his determination to return the state to its original and well known clean status, while also saying Tinapa would be brought back to life. He said so in his inaugural address.
Besides, the governor recently ordered the state auditor-general, while also ordering the dissolution of all commissions, except the statutory commissions.
His first four appointments of SSG, chief of staff and state security adviser also showed a balance between the three senatorial districts. The appointees, according to the citizens, are not the type of Ayade’s food on the table appointments.
Some of those who spoke with TNN on the issue said unlike what obtained during Ayade’s era, where his brother took the illegal position of co-governor and was believed to be involved in appointments, Otu has been consulting critical stakeholders before making appointments.
It is also said that Otu is reviewing the bogus projects initiated and abandoned by Ayade and was yet to decide on what to do with them, in view of scarce state resources. They said Otu has been acting maturely since he started.
Mr Goddie Akpama, a chieftain of the APC, in a public letter to Otu appreciated the governor for his actions so far, saying “the personages, portfolios, and balancing in appointments are clear indications that your administration, from the outset, is carrying everybody along, and is determined to move Cross River State forward.
Also, Dr Joseph Odok of UNICAL also wrote to the governor, thanking him for starting well. “Our dear and sweetest Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu and His Deputy Rt Hon Hon Peter Odey, so far I am so proud of your carriage and wide consultation to bring in the best hands to work with you. We are aware of the liabilities you inherited and the paucity of funds.”
But Ayade was said to have told some of his allies that he was not comfortable with some of the actions taken by Otu since he took over.
