During a Thanksgiving mass held on Sunday in Calabar, the Catholic Bishop of the Uyo Diocese, John Ebebe Ayah, gave an explanation of why he’rejected’ Governor Ben Ayade’s generosity.
To the consternation of the congregation and everyone else in the church, Bishop Ayah subtly rejected the governor’s alluring “whispered package” during the mass that was held at St. Patrick’s Catholic, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
This took place at the thanksgiving mass for Justice Emmanuel Agim Akomaye, who was recently promoted to the rank of Judge of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Vanguard learned that Gov. Ayade who was special guest of honour, was invited to make a donation in support of the church’s 2022 harvest unveiling.
The governor made a donation of N25 million on behalf of the state government, his family and the judiciary.
“You are our pride, the pride of Cross River North, the son of the soil, Bishop John Ayah, I will whisper my package to you later.
In his response the Bishop told the governor that he wants to express himself while acknowledging that he was his brother from Northern Cross River.
“I want to talk. The governor is my brother, we are both from Cross River North. I want to appreciate the governor and tell him to package whatever he has for me, add to it and use it to pay the salaries of the workers,” Bishop Ayah said.
Vanguard gathered that the Bishop received thunderous ovation from the congregation and everyone which took minutes to die down.
A parishioner who spoke with Vanguard under anonymity said Gov. Ayade immediately went back to the podium to defend himself .
He explained that salaries of the workers was ready adding that his administration has been faithful, consistent in the payment of salaries for well over seven years.
