By CrossRiverWatch Admin
The woman in the Photo op with Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River shared by his aides during the commissioning of 52 housing units has not been given a house.
Findings by CrossRiverWatch reveal that contrary to the earlier reported 400 housing units, only 52 were built. Two of those units are allocated to security and administrative purposes only.
And, CrossRiverWatch’s publisher, Agba Jalingo in an opinion statement told our newsroom that he is enraged having fallen for the propaganda pushed by officials of the Cross River state government.
The opinion statement read: “I am so enraged. I feel like I have been used.
”1. First, it was just 52 houses that were delivered, but I was misled to write that governor Ayade delivered 400 houses. 2 of the houses are to be used for a police post and residential apartment while the other 50 are to be allocated to IDPs.
”2. The widow that was used for the photo up with the governor was arranged by Senator Ita Giwa, who is the chairman of the allocation committee. She was brought there with a promise of getting a home. After the photo up, government house released a picture that said the governor shared a meal with the ‘widow after allocation of a new home to her.” But in truth, she went back to her shanty in Akpabuyo after the ceremony and photo up which she was used for. She was never given any house or money. She is now begging the governor to help her and give her succour. She spoke to CrossRiverWatch.
”Watch attached video. This is what she said in vernacular:
“Yesterday we were together, we ate together, hugged and exchanged pleasantries. You showed me some things, washed my hands and I washed yours too. I was happy till I got home; but unfortunately, that house wasn’t given to me… Please oga, whatever help you can offer to me, please assist in that aspect.
“I have been hearing about your help to mothers, please oga; help me too… Please boss, our handsome governor, good master, fine governor please help me and God will bless you.”
”3. The widow further informed CrossRiverWatch that she was expecting money from the governor but he was rushed into a waiting vehicle when violence was about to break out. One person was allegedly beaten to death in the violence that erupted after the governor left. Another person who was handed N250,000 by the governor was beaten up and dispossessed of the cash after the governor’s convoy left. CrossRiverWatch learnt he was hospitalized but that information has not been independently confirmed.
(Credit: GHP Calabar/Dan Williams)
”4. Several Bakassi community and traditional rulers have told CrossRiverWatch that they have no idea where those families in the pictures the state government purportedly allocated homes, were brought from. They don’t know those faces they say. They say they are not part of the allocation committee and weren’t contacted before that ceremony. Most of them wonder how that community will function without the involvement of their traditional institution. CrossRiverWatch was at the Ifiang Oyong estate yesterday and it is clear that no resident has taken any home there at the moment. But some persons were seen with keys and claims of allocation of homes when the governor visited.
“5. How was Senator Ita Giwa smuggled into the state in a private jet a day before the ceremony even with flights ban because of COVID 19 lockdown?
”6. Government sources have also told CrossRiverWatch that documentation for the allocation of homes at Ifiang Oyong estate has been done but the actual movement of the people to the estate has not commenced. The Commissioner for Information, Asu Okang and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Christian Ita, both insisted that arrangements have been completed and the widow and other allottees will take possession of their homes “this week” based on assurances from the Chairman of the allocation committee, Senator Ita Giwa.”
Yours sincerely,
Citizen Agba Jalingo.
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