Ex Cross River Attorney General, Attah Ochinke Rejects Ayade’s Appointment

By Ushang Ewa

The immediate past Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Cross River State, Barrister Attah Ochinke has turned down an appointment from Cross River Governor, Senator Ben Ayade as the Chairman of the Cross River State Diaspora Fund Board.

Ochinke who served as the Chief Law Officer of the state under Governor Liyel Imoke took to his Facebook wall Tuesday evening to decline the job offer citing private reasons

“My attention has this morning been drawn to radio announcements to the effect that I have been appointed Chairman of the Cross River State Diaspora Fund Board by His Excellency Governor Ben Ayade.

“While I thank the Governor for having confidence in my capacity by giving me this appointment, I am unable to accept this responsibility. I have had the privilege to express my views on the size of government in private discussions with Governor Ayade. I still hold those views.

“I have also provided the Governor at those discussions with additional reasons why I cannot take an appointment at this time. Those reasons remain valid and I will keep them private still. Meanwhile I thank all well wishers that have called me to congratulate me on this appointment.

“Your affection is appreciated and I hope you show me understanding in my decision. I will continue to support the government for our common good. I make this decision confident that there are very capable citizens that can step in and take my place. Thank you all and thank you Your Excellency” Ochinke said.

Governor Ayade, Monday announced the appointment of almost 1,100 people into positions including Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants, Chairmen, Secretaries, Directors and members as heads and members of Agencies, Boards, Commissions and Bureaus.

This brings the total number of appointments in his 17 months in office to over 2,000, a move that has drawn widespread criticisms from the opposition and some ruling party members and applause from the governor’s supporters.