The Executive Governor of Cross Rivers, Ben Ayade has stated that he appointed 38,000 political aides to tackle poverty in the state.<\/p>\n
This was stated by the governor in a chat with Arise TV on Friday.<\/p>\n
According to the governor,\u00a0the appointment is to afford him the \u201cemotional and social temperature\u201d to discharge his duties.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn politics talk is cheap. I have history. I know clearly that @ 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,\u201d Ayade said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese people are bringing values. I have several projects ongoing. All of these need people to manage. Besides let\u2019s 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\u2019s better to put food on a table than to put food on concrete. These 38,000 people have not only brought value, they\u2019ve reduced poverty.\u201d<\/p>\n
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 \u201cafford extreme opposition\u201d.<\/p>\n
He said joining the ruling party will help amplify his demands on national discourse.<\/p>\n
\u201cCross River state is challenged. We\u2019ve lost oil wells; we\u2019ve lost our territory. We seem to come from a minority section. We can\u2019t also afford extreme opposition and I\u2019ve always believed that moderation is the rule,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n