The Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade, has gifted brand new Toyota Prado Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to two members of the House of Representatives, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). A
yade’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Ita, confirmed this on Tuesday.
The two rep members are Idagbo Ochiglegoor and Michael Etaba, lawmakers representing Obanliku/Obudu/Bekwarra and Obubra/Etung constituencies, respectively.
The presentation of the vehicles was said to be done by an aide to the governor, Martin Orim, in Abuja on Monday.
Rep Etaba and Ochiglegoor both dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) last month.
Their defection was announced by the Speaker of the House of Representatives at the floor of the green chamber last month.
A member representing Abi/Yakurr federal constituency of Cross River State, Alex Egboma, also received an SUV.
Etaba thanked the governor on behalf of his colleagues, saying the gift was “unsolicited and unexpected”.
He said, “Please accept my heartfelt appreciation and that of my family for your magnanimity extended to my colleagues and me. The beauty of this large-hearted act is that it came from the blues…..unsolicited and unexpected.
“Those of us who have known, worked and observed you from close quarters these past years have never harbored any doubt of your ability to lead our state to greatness despite the challenge of scarce resources.
“Your single-mindedness and result-oriented approach to issues is the reason all right-thinking Cross Riverians are lining behind you as you socket our dear state to the centre through the All Progressives Congress.”
