By Akpan David, Calabar
The younger brother to Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State, Dr Frank Ayade popularly described as the “Co-Govenor” of the state because of his alleged sheer influence in the state government, has been endorsed by a group known as Cross River Professionals for the upcoming Cross River Northern senatorial District by-election.
The by-election is to pick a replacement to fill the void left by late Senator Rose Oko, who passed away this year.
Ayade is reported to have tacitly expressed deep interest in the position which his brother left for Rose Oko in 2015 to become governor even though earlier postulations indicated that his brother is reportedly backing Dr Stephen Odey, the current chairman of the State Universal Education Board (SUBEB).
Speaking at the event, the group’s president, Solomon Okem, defended Frank Ayade, following mounting criticisms that trailed his senatorial ambition.
Okem said Frank has the right to aspire adding that the district needed one with such sagacity, influence and experience which are found in him.
Okem described those against Ayade’s senatorial ambition as ignorant, saying they know little or nothing about the candidate and the quality he would bring to bear if elected to represent the district.
He indicated that Frank will be one that will studiously return the vexed issue of the 76 oil wells to the front burner
“This is because of his fighting spirit and wealth of experience as the engine room of Governor Ayade’s government”, Okem said.
When he formally declares his aspiration any time soon, Frank will do so on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Last week, his elder brother, the governor, spent over a week in their native Obudu hometown to galvanise stakeholders’ supports for his family’s political consolidation and the controversial Obudu International Cargo airport.
