A Letter to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade

By Ezinwanne Onwuka | (A Corp Member) 

I have always doted on Cross River state. The annual Calabar Carnival always gave me goose bumps and made me dream to be here. I have always wished to experience the serenity and tranquility in Cross River state. Luckily, my dreams came true when the mandatory National Youth Service availed me the opportunity to be here in Cross River state. I would not be exaggerating if I chip that the opportunity was given to me on a platter of gold. I have interacted with the accommodating, friendly and lovely people of Cross River state. I have had a taste of the yummy Afang soup and the mouth-watering Edikang Ikong soup. I have fallen helplessly in love with periwinkles and I am eagerly anticipating this year’s Calabar carnival to witness the rich cultural heritage of the people. I hope the Covid-19 pandemic would be at its barest minimum by December.

His Excellency, I must admit that I am impressed with your works in the state. It is amazing how Cross River state transformed from a traditional economy to a digital economy under your leadership. Your laudable projects (completed and ongoing) shows that you truly understand that leadership is all about selfless service to the people. The zeal and zest in which you work towards promoting the welfare of the people of Cross River state is highly commendable. You deserve some accolades. You are indeed a digital governor. I have one question though. Are you called a digital governor because you digitalized Cross River or you digitalized Cross River because you are digital person? I look forward to getting an answer. 

His Excellency, I am convinced that you are a man who wishes, above all things, for the welfare of the people of Cross River state to be at its maximum. The manner in which you  have worked arduously to provide good road networks within the state, amusement parks, good water supply, security and electricity attests to this. I am equally convinced that it would sadden your heart to know that a section of your population is being deprived of one of the essential utilities of comfortable living.

His Excellency, I wish to use this medium to draw your attention to the pathetic situation that the people of Bakassi Local Government Area has been subjected to for the past six months – lack of power supply. You would agree with me that electricity is one of the social amenities that promote the welfare of the people of any society. Thus, it is a prerequisite for a comfortable life. As a caring father who has the interest of his children at heart, however, I am bamboozled to think that you would be nonchalant about addressing this situation and allow your children to live in darkness this long. What kind of a father is he who cannot stay a day without electricity but allow his children to live at the mercy of generators for six good months? Where is the love he claims to have for them. It is written that a son cannot ask the father for a bread and he would be given a stone. He cannot ask for a fish and receive a snake. Yet, your children asked for a steady power supply but they were given generator sets! 

His Excellency, Bakassi Local Governemnt Area needs your digital touch. Like the biblical blind man in need of the touch of Jesus cried out on hearing that Jesus was passing by, the people of Bakassi cries out, “Do not pass us by, His Excellency. Hear our humble cry. Let your wind of digitalization blow over Bakassi.”

His Excellency. I implore you to use your good offices and address this issue as urgent as practicable, just like a father would rush out of his bed on hearing that his child was drowning. I look forward to the day I would hear the chants and shouts of “NEPA!” at every corner in Bakassi.

Warm Regards,