FACT-CHECK : SDP Gov Candidate, Ekpo Lied, C'River Is Insolvent, Can't Borrow

Cross River State SDP Governorship candidate, Eyo Ekpo (L) and Governor Ben Ayade, PDP candidate

The claims by the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Mr. Eyo Ekpo that the government of Gov. Ben Ayade has thrown the state into an indebtedness to the tune of N177bn is not true, Fearless Reports can authoritatively report.

Findings revealed that Cross River state was declared insolvent long before Gov. Ayade took over power in 2015 as such can't borrow even if he wanted to.

Further findings showed that the debt of the state was incurred by past administrations which Ekpo was part as a a key actor.

Reacting to the rumour in a statement circulated by Emmanuel Ulayi, Gov. Ayade's new media aide, the government debunked the allegations which is being circulated on social media.

The government which described the allegation as false and very mischievous, said the fake news was being circulated through bulk SMS by Ekpo to incite people against Ayade in the 2019 election

The government said It is important that Cross Riverians should be wary of characters like  Eyo who think their route to power is to peddle lies and falsehood against the good works of the Governor.

It affirmed that the government of Prof Ben Ayade has not borrowed a dime since its inception in power .

"It is important for the public to know that Cross River state receives the lowest federal allocation from the federal government. In spite of that, the government of Prof Ben Ayade has embarked on massive industrialization projects in the state. There are many ongoing  road construction and repairs across the state", the government stated.

The government further added that, "Ayade has never borrowed a dime since getting into office but has successfully been paying salaries, pension and gratuities regularly to the state civil servants and retirees.

"The debt of the state was incurred by past administration which made it impossible for Ayade to borrow. Cross River, Osun and Zamfara were declared insolvent before Ayade came into office".