The Governor of Cross River state, Ben Ayade, has sacked four of his cabinet members including his commissioner for information, Asu Okang and 8 others.
Ayade took the step after the politicians reportedly refused to join him in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement signed by Ayade’s Special Adviser, Media & Publicity, Christian Ita, and released on Monday, the governor directed that all those affected should return government property in their possession with immediate effect.
Ita said, “The state governor, His Excellency Prof Ben Ayade has approved the relieve of the following persons of their appointments as commissioners: . Mr. Mike Usibe, Rita Ayim ,Mr. Asu Okang ,Ntufam Donatus Etim.
“Similarly, the under listed persons have also been relieved of their appointments Mr Leo Inyambe, Rt Hon. Orok Otu Duke Mr. Victor Okon (Alausa) ,Mr. John Etim Bassey, Hon. Agbiji Mbeh Agbiji.
“Consequently, they are hereby directed to return government properties and vehicles in their care with immediate effect to the Chief of Staff to the governor His Excellency thanks them for their services to the state and wishes them well in their future endeavors,”
However, one of the affected Commissioner’s, Ntufam Etim, had already resigned his appointment on May 21, 2021, before his “sack” today.