By Anietie Akpan, Guardian Newspaper
Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, and the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu (V), have resolved their differences that emanated from the mayhem in the State during the #EndSARS protests.
A former Governor of the state, Liyel Imoke, had earlier visited the Calabar monarch in his palace at Adiabo to seek ideas and solutions to the crisis that rocked Calabar on October 23 and 24, 2020 during the #EndSARS and #EndPoliceBrutality campaign.
During the visit, the monarch had suggested that Ayade should step aside for a while for an Interim Government to be put in place to enable the Governor to learn more about governance, which caused tension and diverse reactions in the State.
But during a visit to the Obong, Governor Ayade thanked the monarch for his fatherly advice and support for his administration, saying he would continue to hold him in high esteem.
Ayade recalled how the Obong stood by him during his campaign for a second term and how he had continued to support him after securing the second term, and accompanied him to his hometown for a thanksgiving service.
“I want to put it on record that the Obong of Calabar was in my hometown for my thanksgiving ceremony in 2015 after my election as Governor.
“He was at the forefront of my re-election and was with us at the Calabar International Conference Centre, making a strong declaration that Ayade must have a second term. His stool is one of the most revered in the country and you cannot undermine that position,” he stated.
On his part, the Obong recalled the role he played during the Governor’s re-election bid in 2019, describing him (Ayade) as his brother and friend.
“We will all work with you to ensure that no matter what happens, the State is rebuilt. We all love you, we all want you, despite the fact that some people were trying to create problems between us,” he said.
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