Ex-Gov Ayade Owes Cross River South for Securing Second Term — Cleric

A respected cleric based in Calabar, Archbishop Josef Bassey, has declared that former Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade, is indebted to the people of the Southern Senatorial District for his successful re-election and completion of a second term in office.

According to Archbishop Bassey, the former governor’s return for another four-year tenure was not guaranteed, as there were serious political maneuvers aimed at stopping him from securing a second term. He explained that Ayade’s political journey at the time faced stiff resistance and internal plots that could have limited him to a single term in office.

The cleric noted that leaders and influential stakeholders from the Southern Senatorial District became deeply concerned that any disruption to Ayade’s second-term ambition could jeopardize their long-term political interests. Specifically, they feared that such an interruption would weaken their prospects of eventually reclaiming governorship power in line with the state’s zoning arrangement.

To prevent this outcome, Southern political leaders reportedly rallied their resources, influence, and support to ensure that Professor Ayade completed the constitutionally allowed eight years in office. Their actions, Archbishop Bassey emphasized, were driven by strategic sacrifice rather than blind loyalty.

Archbishop Bassey made these remarks on Saturday during an end-of-year media engagement held in Calabar. During the interaction, he strongly dismissed claims that Ayade willingly “handed over” political power to the Southern Senatorial District. Instead, he asserted that the South earned its return to power through deliberate political calculation and restraint.

He stressed that the Southern District consciously chose to support Ayade’s second term as part of a broader plan to protect Cross River State’s zoning structure and guarantee a smooth transition of leadership after a 16-year wait. According to him, this move ensured balance, stability, and continuity within the state’s political framework.

The cleric was emphatic in stating that without the strategic backing of Southern leaders, Ayade’s tenure would likely have ended after just one term.

“Without the timely intervention and political wisdom of leaders from the Southern Senatorial District, Professor Ayade might not have returned for a second term,” he stated. “Indeed, he owes the South appreciation for ensuring he did not leave office after four years.”

Archbishop Bassey further explained that the Southern political bloc agreed to fully support Ayade’s re-election based on a clear understanding that governorship power would rotate back to the district once his tenure ended. This agreement, he said, was central to maintaining political trust and fairness among the senatorial zones.

Shifting focus to the current administration, the cleric praised Governor Bassey Otu for what he described as an inclusive and equitable style of governance. He observed that the Northern Senatorial District has experienced noticeable benefits within just the first two years of Governor Otu’s leadership.

According to him, the pace and scale of development recorded in the North under the present administration surpass what some previous governments achieved over much longer periods.

“In only two years, Governor Otu has accomplished more for the Northern Senatorial District than certain administrations managed in eight years,” Archbishop Bassey remarked.

He also referenced statements attributed to notable figures from the North, including Dr. Julius Okputu, who reportedly acknowledged that infrastructural growth in the district was more pronounced under administrations led by the Southern Senatorial District.

The cleric concluded by urging politicians and political commentators to avoid actions or statements capable of heightening political tension, particularly as the year draws to a close. He described the end-of-year period as a time meant for sober reflection, reconciliation, and evaluation, rather than political provocation.

“This season should be devoted to calm reflection and honest stock-taking,” he said, “not to stirring division, setting groups against one another, or attempting to distort historical realities.”

Archbishop Bassey appealed to all political actors to place the overall interest of Cross River State above individual ambitions. He warned that misleading narratives and unnecessary political rivalry could weaken unity and ultimately hinder the state’s development.