By Jonathan Ugbal: Government House Correspondent
Contrary to reports that Cross River is yet to attract a Kobo in capital investment, the Spokesperson to the Governor, Mr. Christian Ita says the drive of his boss, Senator Ben Ayade to industrialize the state by attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is already yielding results.
Ita also replied critics of Mr. Ayade who posit that his trips overseas are yet to bear any fruit.
This was contained in a statement issued Tuesday in Calabar, the Cross River State capital which said that those critical of the governor’s overseas trips for crucial engagements with prospective investors are paid agents of those opposed to the government who unfortunately are ignorant of the dynamics of modern day governance.
“Governance is all about understanding the dynamics of contemporary issues and the uncommon ability of states to explore and exploit all opportunities for the overall good of the state.
“What Governor Ayade has done in the last two years is to tap into his network of contacts globally to rein in development and huge investments in critical sectors of the state economy,” Ita said.
He described as “Ignorant and unpatriotic,” the position of “a few hirelings of those opposed to the development of the state,” and maintained that this will not deter the governor in his “avowed commitment to attract development to the state.
The statement continued: “We have stated from day one that we will not be distracted by persons who show manifest disregard to Cross River State and the well-being of her people, especially persons malnourished in terms of ideas and common sense to drive governance at this difficult period.
“As a government, we will continue to deliver on our mandate to the people of Cross River who have shown discernible understanding and could rationalise the decisions we have taken so far to jump start and sustain our state economy.”
Mr. Ayade has been away from the state for about three weeks with images released by his media aides intermittently, showing him at different countries and meetings in Europe.
One was in August 12, where he reportedly sealed a solar power deal in Nuremberg, in northern Bavaria, Germany.
Another was on August 24, when he visited the European Union.
However, Mr. Ayade, CrossRiverWatch gathered is scheduled to return to Calabar on Wednesday (tomorrow).
CrossRiverWatch had earlier reported that the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its Quarter 2 National Capital Importation report said that there was no inflow of capital within the three months under review.
The state did not have any recorded inflow of capital in the first quarter either, the NBS report showed.
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