Group threatens Ayade with lawsuit if he fails to seek 2nd term

A group, Team Ayade, has threatened Cross River State governor, Senator Ben Ayade with a lawsuit if he fails to seek a second term in office.

Addressing throngs of supporters, associations, women and youth groups bearing banners with different inscriptions  at 137 Ndidem Usang Iso road, Calabar, venue for the unveiling of 'Team Ayade' office, Director-General of the group, Mr.  Goddy Ettah, said although Governor Ayade was not desperate for a second term, the team would view it as a disservice to the state should he fail to seek another term in office.

"Ayade is not desperate about coming back, so this platform is to remind him of so much things he has done," he said.

He then turned to Ayade, who was present at the event and said: "We are here to beg you that you cannot stop, for it will be a disservice if you decide to change your mind considering that your dream in eight years would have succeeded in decoupling Cross River from federal allocation."

Continuing, the Director-General maintained that "the history you are making, we are happy and privileged to be part of it. We will encourage other support groups with our maturity and our experience since we are the mother support group. You cannot do Cross River a disservice by terminating in four years. We will go to court to get an order of mandamus restraining you from taking such decision."

On the story of the state and its leadership, Ettah remarked that, "God has blessed our state with leaders who are focused, young, energetic and have the drive to change the terrain of Cross River. We started with the administration of Donald Duke. He did very well and left legacies. Liyel Imoke came and also did well and today, Ayade is here to crystallize all the achievements."

He also lauded Governor Ayade for the sustenance of peace in the state, amidst other recorded achievements, pointing out that, "no one has lost a hand or leg because of politics in this state. This, indeed is a testimony that our Governor has displayed a rare policy that is anchored on politics with ethics."

Chairman, Board of Trustees of the group, High Chief Asuquo Ekpenyong, expressed delight about Ayade's approach to the  development of the state. maintaining that "the next five years will see the state transforming from a civil service to an industrial state."

Unveiling the Secretariat, the governor thanked members of the team, describing them as a collection of young brains that will not only digitalize the people of Cross River but would serve as examples to other states in the country and indeed Africa.

Ayade who went philosophical said: "In class conflicts, there is always a crisis of integrity, character, respect and honour that those who don't have see those who have as thieves taking their own inheritance. Ayade has come to resolve that conflict because I am a child of a poor man."

He said for him creation of jobs for the people was more important than embarking on any project.

He therefore, announced the creation of 1000 new jobs.