An All Progressives Congress chieftain and public affairs analyst, Francis Bassey, has asked the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, to caution his Chief of Staff, Dr Emmanuel Ironbar, saying the people of the state did not elect him as governor.
Bassey gave the warning in a statement on Tuesday, saying he has received a ‘Save Our Souls’ message from several appointees in the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration in the state.
According to him, there is a growing discontent brewing within the Cross River State Government as senior political appointees raise alarm over what they describe as the hostile and overpowering grip of the Chief of Staff on the running of state affairs.
“The Chief of Staff to the Governor has accumulated unprecedented influence, sidelining Commissioners and diverting control of critical government functions into his own hands.
“He is not the governor. There are complaints that appointees cannot access funds, execute projects, or even take basic decisions without his personal approval. They are tired, and they need Governor Otu to take back control.
“The Chief of Staff is traditionally tasked with coordinating the governor’s schedule and staff; the situation in Cross River State is said to have gone far beyond acceptable limits. The report that the Chief of Staff now determines which ministries receive funding, which programs move forward, who gains or loses political relevance, and access to security and administrative approvals is unacceptable.”
Cross River people did not vote you — APC Chieftain slams Otu’s Chief of Staff
