Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade And His Battalion Of Appointees

Upon assumption of office on May 29, 2015, Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State told Crossriverians that he was going to expand his government with a view to alleviate poverty, empower more hands and create political stability in the state.

17 months after, the governor's cabinet has been bloated with over 1,000 political appointees, Chairmen of Boards, Commissions and Agencies amongst others.

Political appointments is a reward for party loyalies who triumph during electioneering. Today, Nigeria's economy is  bleeding, while governments at all levels are fashioning out ways to cut cost.

In Cross River State, where her oil wells has since been ceded to Akwa Ibom, which has invariably reduced the monthly federal allocation been accrued to the state by the federal government; one wonders where the governor will source for funds to pay-roll all this appointees, including office accomodation and project vehicles.

Sadly, some of the appointments have duplicated functions; example: Senior Special Adviser on Community Relations, Senior Special Assistant on Community Relations, Special Assistant on Community Relations and Personal Assistant on Community Relations, what are their statutory functions?

Reactions have continued to trail his appointments in a state where local government staff and pensioners are still been owed salaries arrears and gratuities.

Looking at the last federal monthly allocation of Cross River State, the sum is a little above N2billion. Lagos state received over N7billion, yet, the state appointees are far behind Cross River State appointees.

Undoubtedly, a majority of Ayade's appointees are yet to be allocated office accomodation and project vehicles. I know of a particular ministry that has no A4 paper to make photocopy for office use; the Commissioner told me in confidence that he hasn't received any subvention for over 4 months now.

It is not a bad omen to empower people; but where is the resources to keep them moving? The state signature projects, the super highway and the deep sea port needs billions of naira to come on stream.

A critic once tweeted "I don't get enticed by Ayade's appointments because it's not juicy like those of his predecessor".

The International Monetary Fund says the Nigeria economy has bounced back, taking over from South Africa and Egypt, we pray so!

I am advocating for a slash down of Ayade's political appointees in view of the present economic challenges.

First, he should identify the key ministries that will help him diversify the state economy base and strengthen them for optimal performance.

Secondly, such ministries should be adequately funded for better projects execution and completion.

Thirdly, he should embark on projects that will add value to the ordinary Crossriverian. Such projects should be evaluated and appraised before execution with a view to ensure completion

 By George Odok Jnr