By Asuquo Cletus
The Former Governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade, has expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, saying the Nigerian leader will “surprise the nation” with his vision and policies aimed at transforming the country.
Ayade stated this on Friday in Calabar during a media chat with journalist, where he reflected on his political journey, his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and his early support for President Tinubu’s presidential ambition.
The former governor said his decision to join the APC in 2021 was guided by foresight and conviction rather than political expediency. According to him, he foresaw the political and economic trajectory of the nation and believed that aligning with the ruling party would better serve the interests of Cross River State and the South-South region.
“I saw tomorrow,” Ayade said. “The crystal ball was clear. I knew that the right thing for us to do at that time was to cross to the ruling party. That’s why I came up with the principle of socketing to the centre. I was among the first to declare support for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu because I knew his capacity and leadership record.”
Ayade recalled that even before the APC presidential primaries, he had publicly endorsed Tinubu, citing his developmental achievements in Lagos State as proof of his competence.
“I said it clearly on national and international media, including the BBC, that if Tinubu could fix Lagos, he can fix Nigeria. I believed in his vision for this country, and that is why I stood firmly behind him during the campaigns,” the former governor stated.
He noted that his relationship with President Tinubu predates the latter’s emergence as president, describing him as a leader with deep political understanding and strategic foresight.
“President Tinubu knows me very well; he knows my worth and what I stand for. I believe, despite all the stories and challenges, he will surprise this country with his leadership. He is a man of action and vision,” Ayade said.
Speaking on his experiences during and after his tenure as governor, Ayade described himself as “a soldier with scars,” adding that his efforts to defend the political and economic sovereignty of Cross River State came with sacrifices.
“I am carrying the scars of the battle for the sovereignty of our state, but I remain confident that the president understands the challenges we face and will support Cross River’s development,” he said.
Ayade also urged Nigerians to remain patient and hopeful as the current administration continues to implement reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy and improving governance.
“Every great reform takes time, but I have no doubt that Tinubu will lead Nigeria to greatness,” he added.
