His Excellency the Executive Governor of Cross River state, Sen. Prof. Benedict Ayade, has disclosed that the traditional stool of Obong of Calabar, being eminent, cannot be undermined NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
The state governor made this disclosure on Tuesday during his and his government visit to the natural ruler of the Efik, Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, at his Adiabo residence.
Gov Ayade further reminded the audience how the nationally reverred stool stood by him during his reelection bid. He said the royal father, Otu V, went as far as going to his hometown in Obudu and was present during his inauguration as governor for the second tenure.
Speaking earlier, governor Ayade thanked the Obong for his numerous fatherly advice and support for his administration, saying he would continue to hold the monarch in very high esteem.
Going down the memory lane, the governor recalled how the Obong stood by him in his bid for second term and how he has continued to stand by after securing the second term, including accompanying him to his hometown for Thanksgiving.
‘I want to put it on record that the Obong of Calabar was personally in my hometown for my thanksgiving ceremony in 2015 after my election as governor.
‘The Obong of Calabar was at the forefront of my re-election and was with us at the Calabar International Conference Center, making a strong declaration that Ayade must have a second term.
‘The Obong of Calabar stool is one of the most eminent stools in this country and you can never undermine that position’, the governor said.’
The first class monarch used kind words on the governor, describing him as ‘my brother, my friend, the great Governor of this state.’
The royal father recalled the role he played during the governor’s re-election bid in 2019.
‘I was at the forefront of your re-election, and spoke strongly that no one can remove Ayade, he has to complete his tenure.
‘You are our own son, you are with us and we will all work with you to make sure that this state, no matter what happens, is rebuilt,
‘I want you know that we all love you, we all want you, no matter how people were trying to bring problem in between us’, he said.
