No Deputy Governor Has Had Experience Like Ivara Esu – Rep Dansuki

By Jonathan Ugbal: Government House Correspondent Follow @NaijaJonathan

The member representing Akamkpa/Biase federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Honorable Daniel Asuquo has said that no Deputy Governor in Cross River State has had experience and exposure than the incumbent, Professor Ivara Esu.

Dansuki, as Mr. Asuquo is popularly referred to, stated this Thursday in Akamkpa at a town hall meeting by his constituency to endorse Governor Ben Ayade and his deputy to contest for a second term in office where he also said that Mr. Esu’s loyalty was worthy to be emulated as none of his predecessors was as experienced as he is.

He averred that: “The past deputies, none of them has reached his level in terms of experience and exposure is concerned. But, Professor Ivara Esu shows us that you can be humble regardless of your background.”

This comes as unconfirmed information suggests that Mr. Ayade is shopping for a new deputy following pressure from the other five local government areas that make up the southern senatorial district as well as the central.

However, the three term representative also posited that due to the actions of Mr. Ayade, the constituency which was deemed as a minority in the southern senatorial district now stands tall.

“As far as this senatorial district is concerned, people see us as minority,” said Dansuki who was represented by Mr. Tony Effiong. He maintained that: “To God be the glory that a man like Professor Ben Ayade could come to turn things around in favor of those that were called minority yesterday.

“Today we can stand tall. Today we can speak with confidence. Not just because of what he has done, but because our brother too has not failed us.

“In terms of loyalty, I have not seen any other person that occupies that position and demonstrated this kind of loyalty. He is a very patient man, very willing to take instructions,” Asuquo said.

There have been rumors of his intention to run for a fourth term in office. And, Mr. Asuquo did not keep this far as he voiced his support for the current administration in the state and requested a level playing field for other positions.

“As his (Ivara Esu) people, as his brothers and sisters from his federal constituency, we always will tell him thank you for making us proud. We will continue to support government. This, his government is total. Any other election, we ask that you give us a level playing ground but for this one, it is total,” he said.

Mr. Esu later went to Dansuki’s residence where he was feted and later departed back for Calabar.