Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade has accused International communities of funding secessionists.
Gatekeepers News reports that Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State, Southern Nigeria has accused Secessionists of receiving funds from some foreign countries who target the natural resources of the nation.
Some parts of Nigeria have been agitating for secession.
Ayade after his visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House on Thursday, said the foreign countries are also doing this to boost their gun trade.
Although the governor did not name any country, he said, “the country is snowballing into a civil strife. We need to come together and support Mr. President to overcome the insurgency which is characterised by external militias who are paid for the purpose.
“I know very clearly that they have basic interest in our natural resources, especially our tantalite and cobalt-related derivatives, as well as diamond and gold. As you know, what this international community does for Africa, once they see large deposits of natural resources, they will be glad to see such country go to war.
“On one side, they’re funding enemies of state; on the other hand, they’re funding secessionists so that they can be in the business of guns.”
Ayade on his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) said he decamped because he trusts Buhari’s leadership, adding that he still respects his former party.
He said, “I am one of the strong Nigerian governors who have risen beyond party lines and ethnic lines by virtue of my education and exposure. My choice to join APC is generating a lot of concern for the PDP occasioned by the fact that it came as a rude shock. And sincerely, it is indeed a rude shock because until I defected, I was a very strong member of the party in truth and in spirit.
“I’m not here to discuss PDP, because I still have my respects or regards for that party. It’s a party that gave me opportunity to be a senator. It’s a party that gave opportunity to be a governor. And so, at all times, I have chosen to focus on APC and my dreams and reasons for my movement to APC.
“I moved into the APC because of my personal relationship with Mr. President. I have watched him and I find honesty, integrity and I see his wish and commitment to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. To that extent, I have a leader that I trust.”
He, however, faulted the activities of the opposition, especially in matters relating to insecurity, and challenged all Nigerians to work with the present administration to foster peace.
The governor said, “The increasing insecurity in Nigeria suffers attacks from extraneous aggressors, paid militia, and bandits. The opposition party only celebrates that because they believe it gives them a chance to win in 2023. So, opposition becomes very cannibalistic. You rejoice over the bloodbath in your country; you rejoice over the level of insurgency and killings in your country just because you are playing opposition.”
