By Jonathan Ugbal: Government House Correspondent
Nigeria’s acting president, Professor Yemi Osinbanjo has promised federal government’s support for the signature projects of Cross River Governor, Senator Ben Ayade.
Osinbanjo stated this at the palace of the Obong of Calabar where he was conferred with a chieftaincy title; Ada Idagha Ke Efik Eburutu (traditional ruler in Efik kingdom) and called for unity amongst Nigerians as a panacea for national growth and development.
“I have been talking to the Governor,” Osinbajo said and pointed out that; “We will support projects in the state. Projects like the superhighway and the deep seaport.”
He called for unity in what may be described as an indirect attempt to address Biafra agitators and said that a lot needs to be done and there was need to move quickly. Osinbajo also said President Muhammadu Buhari was happy he was visiting the state as “Every part of Nigeria is important to us. Calabar is important to us.”
He described Ayade as a “dear brother” and “A man of many great ideas.” He commended him for inspiring a whole generation of young people and said he was not surprised he was called “The digital governor.”
Osinbajo said the past two (2) years have been used for planning and said more work should be expected now. He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to develop Nigeria and said every action to be taken must be done quickly as “The future is definitely going to be great, no doubt at all. the foundations have already been laid.”
Earlier, Governor Ayade had said he was amazed at Professor Osinbajo’s humility as he came down from his vehicle and trekked a distance of over 300 meters greeting secondary school students and political supporters of both the People’s Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress.
“When I saw him today, I was amazed by his humility,” Ayade said and added that: “He has to teach me humility.”
He said a private between the Obong of Calabar and the acting president was very fruitful as the Obong mentioned issues of vital importance to the state and declared him the “The Godfather of my administration.”
Also, the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Otu Abasi V in his remarks commended the Acting President for visiting the state.
He said “When you visited the south-south and you did not visit us, we were not happy. But now, we are happy that you have come.”
He called for increase in the role of traditional rulers in governance as they are the closest to the people and will properly inform the government on the necessary projects that should be sited in communities based on their needs and lamented that most Government projects often do not address the needs of the people.
He called for leaders to always put the people first as “Nigeria is not about APC or PDP,” and commended the federal government for redirecting Nigeria.
He also commended Governor Ayade for his strides and pointed out that “He knows what is always right.”
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