Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade’s second term
bid got a huge boost at the weekend when thousands of commercial drivers in the
state declared total support for him.
At a rally in the state capital Calabar, the drivers, under the aegis of
Unified Commercial Drivers Association of Cross River State, said after a
diligent assessment of all the gubernatorial candidates, they came to the
conclusion that Ayade’s re-election is the best for the state.
Chairman of the association, Pastor Thomas Effiom Okon assured the governor of
their votes, saying: “Our digital governor has achieved so much in
three and a half years and therefore deserves a re-election.”
Describing Governor Ayade as a final man, one stop shop, the man with the
spread, flare, style and panache, the cabs association boss said: “We as a
body have come to a conclusion after due consultation that your programmes are
laudable and deserve a pat on the back. Your second term is therefore, non
negotiable.”
The group, while recalling how the governor had in the past waded into their
plights occasioned by the constant harassment at the hands of the state’s
commercial drivers’ regulatory body, DOPT, noted: “We know you feel our
pains, that is why we want to say thank you today for being there for
us.”
Responding, Governor Ayade reiterated his determination to ensure that no one
in the state lacks sustainable economic empowerment.
“This is the reason for my government’s aggressive industrialization
drive. I am building the industries to create jobs, to empower the
people,” he said, describing himself as a former taxi driver.
“I used to drive taxi. I am one of you. This is where I started; I know
your importance”, the Governor told the cheering drivers”.
He explained that he has been able to manage Cross River’s meagre financial
resources effectively because, according to him, he is not a full time
politician: “If I was a full time politician, we will be owing
salaries. I know my circumstances, I know my history.”
The Governor who was made the grand patron of the association announced that
120,000 brand new cars will be made available to the drivers to replace the
rickety cabs the association had earlier complained do not befit the status of
Calabar as the tourism capital of Nigeria.
He also announced the allocation of land to the association.