Defection: Ayade sacks 4 commissioners, 5 other PDP loyalists

Few days after Governor Ben Ayade defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), he has sacked four commissioners and five other appointees believed to be loyal to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

A press statement made available to our reporter in Calabar, Monday, and signed by the governor’s chief press secretary/special adviser, Media and Publicity, Christian Ita, did not however give reasons for their sack.

The release, which was dated May 31, 2021, read in part: “the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade, has approved the relieve of the following persons of their appointments as commissioners: Mr. Mike Usibe, Rita Ayim, Mr. Asu Okang, Ntufam Donatus Etim.

“Similarly, the under listed persons have also been relieved of their appointments: Mr. Leo Inyambe, Orok Otu Duke, Mr. Victor Okon (Alausa), Mr. John Etim Bassey, 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.

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

Mr. Mike Usibe was commissioner for New Cities Development, Rita Ayim was in charge of Women Affairs, Mr. Asu Okang superintended over the Information Ministry while Ntufam Donatus Etim was commissioner for Climate Change and Forestry.

Asu Okang is said to be fiercely loyal to one of the National Assembly members who had a long drawn battle with the governor which culminated in Ayade’s defection.

And, incidentally, Mr Etim had on May 21, 2021 resigned his appointment before he was ‘sacked.’

In his resignation letter, Etim said: “It is with utmost fulfillment and high sense of responsibility that I write to humbly notify you of my decision to resign my appointment as commissioner and member of Cross River state executive council.”