Oye Oye bap isong! Uwei!
Oye Oye bap enyong! Uwei!
Oye Oye bap ukpotio Efik! Owei!
The spin and blame game to deflect from the real truth has started, and once again Governor Ben Ayade is at the forefront of the deceit and as usual, ably assisted by paid for cohorts. This time in the person of Mrs. Florence Ita-Giwa and former Governor Donald Duke with his drug- addicted son-in-law, Ekpeyong Asuquo Jr., alias “Suki”, the nightclub owner turned CRS Commissioner for Finance in tow.
Before I run ahead of myself, may I also call attention to an article circulating on the internet titled “The genesis of how unscrupulous quest for power by the two commissioners led to the wantom (sic) looting, arson and orgy of madness and blood spillage in Calabar metropolis and beyond Calabar.” let me first assure Mr. Ben Ayade and his cohorts, they can take it to the bank that Ekpeyong Asuquo, Jr, will never become Governor of Cross of Cross River State! Secondly, Ben Ayades continuous desecration of Efik land will only lead to recompense, and that is why I started this write up the traditional Efik way. Thirdly, there is the Cross- River way of playing politics without violence but through negotiation and brinksmanship! And we shall return to that! Guaranteed to the bank!
HOSEA 8:7
Fingers can only be pointed at one or maybe two culprits for last weekend’s (October 23, 2020) mayhem that literarily destroyed Nigeria’s first capital city, Calabar. And despite the attempted spin to sacrifice two miscreants who currently camouflage as Commissioners, as the agents of destruction, let it be on record that the mayhem in Calabar was paid for by Governor Ben Ayade and his brother Frank, provided the list of targets
to be attacked in a coordinated and wicked attempt at genocide mainly against the Efik!
Eventually, Governor Ayade’s agents of destruction became uncontrollable because he refused to pay the militants in full while euphoria set-in. And it became an orgy of violence with him gloating and pretending his government had become a victim of the #endSARS movement. But that was not the case in Calabar, Cross River State and the Government should resurrect DIG Chris Omeben, to lead a Panel of Inquiry, into what happened in Calabar starting last Friday and charge Governor Ayade for incitement and genocide against a segment of the society politically at odds with his style of governance and government.
And let no one be fooled by the crocodile tears shed at the destruction of the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC) as that was a clear and inciteful message to former Governor Imoke. Sadly, though, Governor Imoke is now a statesman gone beyond Cross River politics, and the true victims of Ayade’s crimes are the young kids from Calabar South who routinely “bused” down to the Convention Centre to take pictures for their Facebook and WhatsApp platforms in the face of little recreation and activities.
And let me throw up facts to back my position for which I will be willing to testify before a panel of inquiry. This certainly means that Governor Ayade will now attempt to murder me, maybe even his cohorts whom he used to perpetuate this orgy of violence – the young Efik militants a.k.a Maxlow and G1, who were paid in cash to coordinate and in some cases lead these attacks against Governor Ayade’s so-called political enemies. As luck would have it, Maxlow is believed to have absconded with all the money paid. Ayade promised to settle G1, but didn’t. Then all hell broke loose.
Truly, if Governor Ayade thinks that because our system lacks bold men of steel like the late Bassey Ekpo Bassey, Ernest Etim-Bassey and men of caliber like John Henry Bassey that he can intimidate everyone, and hand over the state to urchins like himself and his Commissioners in 2023 then he’s in for something else. Or what is the explanation for the incitement and orgy of violence? Was it an attempt at ethnic cleaning so the South will not produce its own Governor come 2023? Was he trying for another Rwanda? I mean why such desecration of Efik land? What nerve does this
boy have? Is it because he is the Governor? I mean, is Governor Ayade now saying that the system that seemingly produced him as Governor despite better candidates is now flawed. We, as a people who prided ourselves on our peaceful, non-violent, civilized, and collegiate based political system where the caucuses played the leading role cannot sit back and let Ayade take us to the tatatata brand of politics.
While it is true that the security forces stood aside to prove their point, by not initially intervening as the attacks commenced. I am happy the Presidency and the Inspector General of Police were informed that the 2 central reasons for insecurity in Cross River State are:
(i) First, the fact that none of the security agencies in the state has interphase or access to the State Governor so receive little to no collaboration or support of any form the State. Those in doubt should ask the Commissioner of Police or Brigade Commander how many Security Council meetings have held over the last 5yrs? While past Governors held at least, one or sometimes two a month, depending on the situation at hand. Governor Ayade hasn’t held up to seven during his almost 6yr tenure. Additionally, while past Governors would often socially interphase with their security commanders, keep, and open door, let it be on record that Governor Ayade doesn’t even pick their calls and the Presidency has been fully informed.
(ii) Secondly, Governor Ben Ayade is central to the insecurity in Cross River State as the main promoter and sponsor of militants and cult groups largely led by his brother Frank, his Chief of Staff, Martins Orim and his Commissioners, including Oliver Orok, Mfon Bassey and co. What has our State turned to?
CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY
On the other hand, are citizens or the Presidency not aware that renowned militants including G1, in the Akpabuyo axis …a renowned terrorist, armed robber, kidnapper and sea wayfarer, and “General Iron” …a well-known murderer, kidnapper and militant in the Central Senatorial District are all Special Advisers or Assistants with easy access to Ben Ayade himself? Are these not the same characters that led the attack on Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba’s residence?
After conniving with Asuquo Ekpeyong to appropriate even family and community land all over Calabar and Odukpani, he then has the temerity to unleash what we Efik call “ifin” …miscreants …like himself, peasant’s, on our historical land and innocent citizens and then sheds crocodile tears, for whom? God punish you Ben Ayade.
And let everyone be warned because the narrative that the youth were rebelling in Cross River State, is just nonsense and I noticed that Florence- Ita Giwa, whose age is forever decreasing, was chatting some nonsense on television some days ago after being paid N20M. (Let her deny that one too na….and sue me for N1B) Luckily Ayade himself recorded his discussions with her for future use.
Let me categorically conclude this piece, by insisting that Governor Ayade SPONSORED the attacks on the citizens of the State last weekend, and let him deny it, and I will offer verifiable facts to disprove him. In light of this, Governor Ayade should be charged for conspiracy to commit murder, premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit arson, incitement to ensure ethnic cleansing and financial and economic sabotage of Cross River State. To think some idiots were recently touting this same charlatan for the Nobel Peace prize. Can you imagine? A man trying to incite ethnic cleansing and then shedding crocodile tears while licking his lips and laughing?
We also request that on no account should federal funds be put in the custody of Ayade to effect repairs of the damages he wrought on his State. Truly, our people must sit up because Ayade is a dangerous man with brain cancer and a complex to match. It is unfortunate that he is aided by certain notable Efik, who have also lost respect for their own land and ancestry.
A word is enough for the wise!
Efik eye enyime?
Orokanwan H. Duke Woman Leader, Ward 2 7 Tete Street
Calabar, Cross River State