Why I Appointed 38,000 Political Aides – Gov. Ayade

• “These 38,000 people have not only brought value, they’ve reduced poverty.”

Ben Ayade, governor of Cross River, on Friday disclosed the reason behind his decision to appoint 38,000 political aides in the state.

Ayade said he appointed such humongous number of aides because he wanted to address the issue of hunger and penury in the state.

The governor made the disclosure on Friday when he featured on Arise TV programme.

He said the decision had led to reduction in poverty, noting that the appointed persons had brought value to his government.

Ayade asserted that the appointment was geared towards giving him the “emotional and social temperature” to discharge his duties.

“In politics talk is cheap. I have history. I know clearly that poverty is extreme and I decided to bring 38,000 young people into the dining table to allow me the emotional and social temperature to take advantage of my business connection to bring value to Cross River state,” Ayade said.

Ayade averred that the primary responsibility of any government was the provision of welfare, he explained that it would not make sense to embark on huge, long-term infrastructural projects when the people could not afford food and shelter.

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“These people are bringing values. I have several projects ongoing. All of these need people to manage. Besides let’s deal with it, if you look at the principles, section 14 of our constitution: the primary purpose of government is the welfare and security for the people. Of what use would it be to build a super highway or a deep sea port when 4.5 million people are dying out of hunger. It’s better to put food on a table than to put food on concrete. These 38,000 people have not only brought value, they’ve reduced poverty.”

Ayade who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the move was necessary because his state cannot “afford extreme opposition”.

He said joining the ruling party will help amplify his voice on national discourse.

“Cross River state is challenged. We’ve lost oil wells; we’ve lost our territory. We seem to come from a minority section. We can’t also afford extreme opposition and I’ve always believed that moderation is the rule,” he said.

“As I have joined [APC], it’s easier for my voice to be heard and even louder. It’s completely different when you speak from the opposition.”