The Catholic Bishop of Uyo Diocese, John Ebebe Ayah, has revealed why he ‘rejected’ Cross River Governor Ben Ayade’s largesse during a Thanksgiving mass at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Calabar.
Bishop Ayah rejected Ayade’s ‘whispered package’ during the thanksgiving mass for Justice Emmanuel Agim Akomaye, recently promoted to Judge of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
According to Vanguard, Ayade made a donation of N25 million on behalf of the state government, his family and the judiciary in support of the church’s 2022 harvest unveiling.
The governor, a special guest of honour, said, “You are our pride, the pride of Cross River North, the son of the soil, Bishop John Ayah; I will whisper my package to you later.”
Bishop Ayah responded to Ayade’s donation, saying, “I want to talk. The governor is my brother; we are both from Cross River North. I want to appreciate the governor and tell him to package whatever he has for me, add to it and use it to pay the workers’ salaries.”
The Bishop received a thunderous ovation from the congregation for his action.
Vanguard reports that a parishioner who spoke anonymously said Ayade immediately went back to the podium to defend himself.
According to Ayade, workers’ salaries were ready, and for over seven years, his administration has been faithful and consistent in paying salaries.
