Commissioners – Governor Ayade Sets Up Selection Committee

• by: Richmond Akpanke
• 10 years ago

Thanks Emmanuel. At the risk of being classified as ‘anti-Ayade’ by the social media attack dogs; I make bold to cry for our beloved Cross River. In your words too much hype and garrulity over nothing! From Donald Duke’s white elephant projects by way of the senseless flagship projects (Tinapa, Obudu Ranch) with no clear corporate structure, ownership and governance to Imoke’s ‘masturbation’ in the name of the International Convention Centre, aircraft and the Specialist Hospital (where the indices are simply stupid and ribbed with fraud) to the now 21st century comedy, the signature projects (superhighway, deep sea port, garment factory, mumbo jumbo, know it all incorporated…) Poor old lady, Cross River. Like the duchess of the conquered Arabian Peninsula, you have been raped and the spoil is on the hill top.
So funny, poor Chris Ita like Reuben Abati trying to explain the unexplainable. So funny! aptitude test & background test for all political news to meet the new order. Really? Ayade is one of the reform minded governors in the mold of the El-Rufai’s. hahaha! Brilliant idea but the framework is wrong and dead on arrival. Why? (1) the independence of the committee and nothing against the members is in question. If the administration is serious, let sign-off the likes of PWC, KPMG, Accenture or Mckinsey to handle the shortlist and make recommendations to the House for confirmation. (2) What is the scope & structure of the test and how competent is the team in test & evaluation? (3) How exposed is the Chief of Staff for instance on this brief? With due respect , what is his qualification and work experience like? No hard feelings, if Cross River is pretending to be aiming at frontline status, Is the Chief of Staff in the circle of holders of such positions as Fashola (formerly of Lagos) and Lai Mohammed (formerly of Lagos)? (4) How can the government insulate the initiative from politics or from being hijacked, witch-hunt whilst at the same time, retaining the confidence of the nominees and civil society in the exercise?
On the Ayade signature project, I beg Oga. The postponement of the President’s visit to Calabar for the ground breaking is just a tip of the iceberg! back to basics, get the project steering team in place as quickly as possible. Engage reputable advisory firms as transaction advisers to objectively provide a position on the bankability/feasibility of the projects or otherwise. Although, as it appears, it is more convenient to talk without counting the cost. Sorry, I have to say it as it is. Get tested technocrats both within and outside the State to assist you. It is a paradox, that a world renowned environmentalist Governor is caught in-between trivialities of EIAs! Haba. Is there a robust funding/cash plan for the projects beyond the supplementary budget? What’s the colors of project(s) pre-feasibility reports? Is a floppy file of the projects in the Attorney General’s Office as may relate to executed |MoUs/Agreements; Works, Housing etc (approved designs etc); Finance (Finance plan & bridging etc); Due Process (certification of transparent public procurement). Someone need to remind the Governor that though he may claim to be running the State from his pocket, it is record that releases including bail out funds and security votes has been released to the State. His actions so far, notwithstanding the ephemeral support of the House & the unpredictable speaker is a recipe to prison. He must watch out for the banana peels all-round him.
On the garment factory, funny funny story for another day. the framework is faulty. dead on arrival. What is the strategy – to produce uniforms for sale to public schools or emmm, I shall revert on this.
Enough of the showmanship, roll-up the sleeves and get the right guys on board as soon as you can otherwise, Governor Ayade may end up as the worst Governor in the history of the State after |Imoke who shortchanges the State and technically imposed you on the people.. Not a matter of siren and socials….you know what |I mean.

They that have ears, let them hear what the spirit is saying to the Churches.

God bless our people and lead us to the path of truth, humility and prosperity.

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