…Urges Appointees to Direct Appreciation to Governor
The Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Chief Emmanuel Ironbar, has clarified that all recent appointments made by the state government were solely the decision of Governor Bassey Otu, urging beneficiaries to direct their appreciation to the Governor rather than to him.
Ironbar made the clarification in a statement issued through his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Patrick Asuquo, amid social media narratives crediting him for some of the appointments announced by the state government.
According to the Chief of Staff, such claims are inaccurate and inconsistent with the constitutional structure of governance, which vests the power of appointment exclusively in the office of the Governor.
He stressed that Governor Otu remains the only authority empowered to make appointments into government positions and public offices in Cross River State.
Ironbar therefore urged appointees and members of the public to appropriately acknowledge the Governor’s role and leadership in providing such opportunities.
While expressing appreciation for the goodwill and recognition extended to him by some beneficiaries, the Chief of Staff maintained that he neither possesses nor exercises the constitutional powers of appointment vested in the Governor.
“It is important that the public understands that appointments into government offices are the exclusive prerogative of His Excellency, the Governor. Any attempt to attribute such decisions to me is a misrepresentation of the facts and an unnecessary distortion of the established hierarchy of governance,” he stated.
The Chief of Staff further emphasized that he played no personal role warranting the public accolades being directed at him by some appointees and their supporters.
He maintained that all recognition and gratitude arising from the appointments should be accorded to Governor Otu, whose confidence and leadership made the appointments possible.
Ironbar also cautioned against narratives capable of creating false impressions about the process of government appointments, noting that such misconceptions could undermine public understanding of constitutional governance.
He urged political appointees, supporters and members of the public to remain guided by facts and to accurately acknowledge the source of such opportunities.
Reaffirming his loyalty to the Governor, Ironbar pledged to continue supporting the administration’s goals and vision for Cross River State.
He assured that he would remain committed to discharging his responsibilities with professionalism, humility and unwavering dedication in service to the people of the state.
By Kingsley Agim
