Ayade distances C’River from armed agitations

  <h4>  By Kingston ObungObung

Calabar </h4>

Cross River is not part of any form of armed agitations for selfdetermination championed by some regions in the country, Governor Ben Ayade has said.

Th e governor, who made the remarks at the UJ Esuene stadium, Calabar, during the 57th independence celebration, yesterday, insisted that the world should count the state out of any form of armed struggle.
Recall that Cross River took advantage of the federal government’s declaration of 0ctober 2, 2017 as public holidays to celebrate the country’s independence anniversary, and not October 1, which fell on a Sunday, which was used by Christian to off er prayers for the country.
Represented by his Deputy, Prof Ivara Esu, Ayade noted that the underlying rationale for several agitations by some ethnic groups was the fear of marginalisation and alleged inequality in the distribution of national resources, but that such reasons were not enough to break up the country.
“Cross River remains very committed to the Nigerian project and we hereby disassociate the State from any ethnic or religious body whose intention is to divide the country.
As a State, we completely divorce ourselves from all forms of armed struggle and the sustained agitation for self-determination.
“We however, implore the federal government to take necessary rational steps to redress the challenges which have implications for national security and development in our country.
We must resist any attempt to divide this great country,” he sermonized.
Th e governor further advised Nigerians to be civil in their approach to their demand rather than being confrontational, but challenged the National Assembly to intensify the process of amending the country’s constitution to accord it a true federal status.
His words: “as we reminisce on our nation’s tedious political journey to independence through the huge struggles of our pre and post-independence era, I urge us to re-commit and re-dedicate ourselves towards achieving the independence of our people.
“My administration is doggedly determined to diligently institutionalise good governance, democratic ideals and cultural revival in our State.
Th is is the only way the labour of our heroes past cannot be in vain.

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