Cross River governor, Ben Ayade has dismissed the paramount ruler of Calabar south council, Itam Hogan Itam, for attending a party organized by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The PDP at a meeting chaired by former Cross River Governor, Donald Duke reportedly endorsed Arthur Jarvis University Chancellor Arthur Jarvis as a candidate for the party’s 2023 general election.
Itam’s attendance at the meeting was allegedly in violation of the Cross River State traditional edict. He was therefore accused of meddling in politics.
In a letter signed by a Special Adviser to the Emperor of the Royal Affairs, Adoga Victor, Governor Ayade instructed Itam to immediately return the certificate of recognition to the state royal affairs department at the governor’s office.
The letter dated May 11 and quoted by TheCable read, “Following the report of the panel set up by the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council (CRSTRC) and the approval of His Excellency, you have been removed as the village head, clan head of Ukem and paramount ruler of Efuts with immediate effect to enable you go ahead to do your partisan politics,” the letter reads.
“You have therefore ceased to be so recognised and cannot operate as such forthwith.”
Ayade who became the governor on the platform of the PDP later defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) where he is currently among the party’s presidential aspirants.
However, Ayade was recently quoted as saying he would step down for former President Goodluck Jonathan if he (Jonathan) secures the APC presidential ticket.
