Ayade seeks robust relation between Cross River and Benue

Cross River Governor, Senator (Professor) Ben Ayade has assured the government and people of Benue state of sustaining the cordial relationship existing between the two sister states.

Governor Ayade who gave the assurance at the Government House, Makurdi during a courtesy call on Governor Samuel Ortom, on Friday night, expressed deep appreciation to the government and people of Benue for the hospitality shown to the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) of Wanihem and Wanikade in Northern Ukelle, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River as a result of the recent conflict between them.

The Cross River Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Esu, commended the laudable efforts made by Governor Samuel Ortom and the good people of Benue towards the provision and accommodation of the IDPs from the two communities of Cross River.

He stressed the need for the existing cordial relationship between Cross River and Benue to be sustained for the overall interest and development of the two state and the example exhibited by the people of Benue in making provision and accommodating the IDPs from cross River at Oju Local Government Area of Benue was commendable, and appreciated the warm reception extended to him and his entourage by Governor Ortom.

On his part, the Benue state Governor, Samuel Ortom appreciated the government of Cross River, and expressed regret that the two communities in Yala local Government of Cross River had to engage themselves in such a devastating conflict, while assuring that his government will continue to ensure that the welfare of the IDPs is adequately taken care of until their departure, and stressed that the government and people of Benue re not in a hurry to send the people away.

Governor Ortom however stressed the need for their two governments to make efforts and impress on the National Boundary Commission to demarcate the boundary between the two states in the areas that still create misunderstanding, emphasizing that the two states are the same people suffering the same problems of poverty, marginalization and terrorism.