PUNCH
A human rights organisation under the aegis of Network Against Corruption and Trafficking on Tuesday in Abuja called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission to investigate Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State over alleged financial impropriety and money laundering.
The organisation cited an audit report of the state treasury between 2015 and 2020, which, it said, allegedly exposed how Ayade squandered state resources while serving as governor.
Details of the report given to journalists during a press conference in Abuja said that Ayade allegedly diverted funds meant for infrastructure development, workers’ welfare, and other critical sectors to personal use.
But when contacted, Ayade’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Ita, told journalists the claims were baseless and politically motivated.
He accused NACAT of being a tool in the hands of opposition politicians, who were desperate to tarnish the governor’s image.
“Please, before I respond, kindly do us a favour, and calculate how much allocations have come to the state in eight years. They’re published by the Federal Government. The state hasn’t earned that kind of money in eight…
