Ayade sacks revenue boss, media aide, demands appointees’ voluntary resignation

The Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade, on Wednesday suspended the Chairman of the state Internal Revenue Service, Mr Akpanke Ogar.

A statement by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Christian Ita, announced the suspension.

The statement read, “The state Governor, His Excellency, Sir Ben Ayade, has approved the immediate suspension of the Chairman of the Cross River Internal Revenue Service, Mr Akpanke A. Ogar.

“Consequently, His Excellency has directed the Auditor-General of the state, Mr John Odey, to immediately take over as the acting chairman of the service.”

Also suspended with immediate effect was the Governor’s Special Assistant on Media, Miss Ursula Agbor.

The governor, in another statement signed by Ita, asked his aides who were not ready to work to resign.

“To this end, His Excellency will no longer tolerate any slack from commissioners and heads of departments, agencies and parastatals.

“Consequently, His Excellency by this announcement is requesting voluntary resignations from commissioners and heads of departments, agencies and parastatals, who manifestly lack the capacity or will to deliver on their mandates.

“His Excellency believes that it is dignifying to resign honourably and quietly than to be relieved of appointments,” the statement added.

 

The Punch