By Sylvia Akpan
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero has lauded the Cross River State Governor, Sen. Ben Ayade for appointing Kano indigenes as Commissioner among others into his government, describing him as a detribalized Nigerian.
The Kano monarch who is in Calabar for his investiture as the 6th Chancellor of the University of Calabar, urged other governors to work towards national cohesion by emulating Ayade’s nationalistic posture.
In a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Calabar, shortly after he touched down at the State capital, he said: “I wish to express my deep appreciation to the Governor for appointing Northerners, especially Kano indigenes into his government.”
The Emir added: “There is a Commissioner in the Governor’s cabinet who is from Kano. This is heartwarming. I urge other Governors from other parts of Nigeria to work towards national cohesion by taking a cue from Governor Ayade and appoint aides who are not necessarily indigenes of their states.”
The royal father commended Governor Ayade and the people of Cross River for the warm reception and hospitality accorded him and his entourage.
He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the appointment as Pro-Chancellor, saying he was happy to be part and parcel of the institution and pledged to work with the Vice Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi, to take the University of Calabar to a greater height.
Mr. Ayade on his part, expressed optimism that the Emir’s tenure as Pro-Chancellor will usher in a new dawn for the university given his connections, pedigree, and experience.
His words: “Your Majesty, your appointment as the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Calabar provides us with the opportunity to show that the culture of the African man is very rich owing to our rich traditional institution.
“I’m optimistic that by the time you are done overseeing the University, particularly in morality and credibility, it will become a role model to other universities in Nigeria,” he said with facial elation.
