Ben Ayade, the Cross Rivers State Governor, has said he appointed 38,000 political aides in a bid to reduce poverty in the state.

Speaking in an interview with Arise TV, Ayade said the aim of the political appointment was to give him the ’emotional and social temperature to take advantage of his business connection to bring value to Cross River state.’

He stated that the several projects going on in the state need people to manage them hence the 38,000 aides will come in handy and are bring value to his government.

He said:

“In politics talk is cheap. I have history. I know clearly that poverty is extreme and I decided to bring 38,000 young people into the dining table to allow me the emotional and social temperature to take advantage of my business connection to bring value to Cross River state”

“These people are bringing values. I have several projects ongoing. All of these need people to manage. Besides let’s deal with it if you look at the principles, section 14 of our constitution: the primary purpose of government is the welfare and security for the people.” 

He continued:

“Of what use would it be to build a superhighway or a deep seaport when 4.5 million people are dying out of hunger. It’s better to put food on a table than to put food on concrete. These 38,000 people have not only brought value, they’ve reduced poverty.”

Speaking on his defection to the APC, the Governor said the move became necessary due to the “challenge” in his state.

“Cross River state is challenged. We’ve lost oil wells; we’ve lost our territory. We seem to come from a minority section. We can’t also afford extreme opposition and I’ve always believed that moderation is the rule,” he added.