Ayade recants threatening traders of Igbo extraction in Calabar; DSS free government officials over complicity in February 25 elections

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has debunked a Social Media report that his government is planning to close shops owned by traders of Igbo extraction in the popular Watt and Marian Markets in Calabar due to his defeat in the Cross River North Senatorial District elections and Labour Party winning the state in the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Christian Ita Esq said the news is a wild-rumour as the governor is a lover of non-indigenes and there is no such plan.

In another development, the Department of State Services (DSS) has released the incumbent Cross River Commissioner for Finance Mr. Goddy Ettah, Ukpan Odey and a former Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area aka “BOMBOY” allegedly arrested for being in possession of guns and ammunitions during Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state.

The trio were arrested and moved to Abakaliki in Ebonyi State and were reported to have been transferred to Enugu before their return to DSS custody in Calabar where they were eventually released Sunday.

Mr. Ettah was appointed Commissioner for Finance to replace Senator-Elect Asuquo Ekpenyong Jnr. by Governor Ben Ayade who is now the Senator-elect in the Cross River Southern Senatorial district in Calabar.

By: Archibong Emmanuel

(Snr. Reporter)