March 14, (THEWILL) – Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, the lawmaker representing Cross River North in the national assembly, says the Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade, became an albatross to the People’s Democratic Party in the state.
Senator Jarigbe’s remarks follows a statement credited to the Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, where he alleged Ayade was chased out of the party in the state and this led to the destruction of the party.
Senator Jarigbe while disagreeing with the Edo State governor, said the PDP in Cross River State became stronger without Professor Ayade.
“If Obaseki is referring to the defection of Governor Ayade, as the “destruction” of the PDP in Cross River State, then we totally disagree with him.
“It is rather seen as good riddance to bad rubbish. At some point, Governor Ayade became an albatross in our party, and when he left, there was jubilation.
“In fact, if Ayade left the PDP because of Wike, a fellow Governor, then it is testamentary to how clearly handicapped Ayade was in the context of being influential and committed to the Party”, Senator Jarigbe said.
Senator Jarigbe urged the Edo State governor to leave the PDP in Cross River State alone.
He said the party does not need a governor, who performed abysmally nor does the party want his baggage.
He said politics is a game of interest and it is puerile to demonise governor Wike because of his interest.
“Please, Governor Obaseki should leave Cross River State PDP out of the hullabaloo he created in the Edo PDP.
“Cross River State PDP is together and does not need the membership of any Governor, who has performed abysmally. We do not want a baggage.
“The issue with all of us is that, when Governor Wike goes out of his way to support our states, we see him as a good man; but whenever his interest conflicts with ours, he becomes a terrible man.
“That is the paradox of life. I wonder if politics is no longer a game of interest. This constant demonisation of Governor Wike because of his interests is puerile.
“Contrary to the assertion of Governor Obaseki, the PDP in Cross River is at peace and very formidable, with the constant assistance of Governor Wike”, Senator Jarigbe said.
Senator Jarigbe
About the Author
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
