Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade, has said the state will ensure the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag bearer, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in the 2023 Presidential election by delivering 100 per cent votes for him.
Speaking on Tuesday, almost two weeks after the party’s presidential primary, Ayade expressed his commitment to the victory of the party at the polls regardless of the outcome of the presidential primary.
The governor, while addressing journalists at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, said: “As for my presidential ambition, indeed, I am grateful to God that He gave me the opportunity to showcase to the country what I had to offer. I am happy because sincerely, I like the reactions that I have received from various people about my speech at the primary.”
He added: “There was a clear indication that everyone knew that I had something to offer this country, but it was not my time, it was not my day. It was someone else’s and I am happy for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has taken the ticket of our party.
“Based on the principle of our party, we will all work to deliver him come 2023. Cross River will ensure a hundred percent votes for our presidential candidate.”
Speaking on his recent foreign business trip, the governor disclosed that his visit to Spain was to explore opportunities for the take-off of Cally Airline as an entity.
“I just got back from Spain where I went for an extensive meeting and discussions with the intent to actually bring oxygen to Cally Air. As you are well aware, Cally Air has two aircraft and we need three to be licensed to actually run an independent airline. That has been a challenge for some time now
“We had a useful and fruitful conversation with some companies out there with the intention to provide us (with) one aircraft that will enable us have three aircraft, so we can run in full swing.
“We have spoken to some cargo companies to see how they can partner with us for the Obudu Cargo Airport. Work at the airport has reached a very advanced stage and I am very convinced and confident that before long, the Obudu Cargo Airport should be fully operational. So we need to start having a foot falls ahead of time. That explains why I really took out time to get that done,” Ayade added.
