The Catholic Bishop of Uyo Diocese, John Ebebe Ayah, received a thunderous ovation from the congregation for rejecting Cross River Governor, Ben Ayade’s N25 million largesse.
It was during a Thanksgiving Mass for Justice Emmanuel Agim Akomaye, who was elevated as Supreme Court of Nigeria Judge held at the St. Patrick’s Catholic, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
Bishop Ayah subtly shunned the irresistible “whispered package” of the governor to the bewilderment of the congregation and everyone else in the church.
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Straightnews learned that Governor Ayade who was a special guest of honour, was invited to make a donation in support of the church’s 2022 harvest unveiling.
The governor made a donation of N25 million on behalf of the state government, his family and the judiciary.
“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.
In his response, the Bishop told the governor that he wants to express himself while acknowledging that he was his brother from northern Cross River.
“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 salaries of the workers,” Bishop Ayah said.
A parishioner who spoke with Vanguard under anonymity said Gov. Ayade immediately went back to the “podium” to defend himself.
He explained that the salaries of the workers were ready, adding that his administration has been faithful, and consistent in the payment of salaries for well over seven years.
He said “The people will appreciate Ben Ayade when he leaves office.”
