Governor of Cross River State
[dropcap]G[/dropcap]overnor Ben Ayade of Cross River State and members of the state Executive Council gave a standing ovation to President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, in appreciation of approval of a Transaction Advisor for the Bakassi Deep Seaport project.
News of approval of the transaction advisor for the multi-billion naira project was announced to the executive council at the Council Chambers by the governor, moments after a presentation by Siemens, which seeks to invest in the state.A loud, standing ovation ensued, which the governor said was the least the state could do in appreciation of a president who has special love for the state.
“As the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria receives a standing ovation in this executive chambers, I want to appreciate him for graciously keeping to his promise by appointing a transaction advisor for the people of Cross River, for the uptake and starting of the Bakassi Deep Seaport project.“It is a classical demonstration of the president’s commitment to his words,” said an excited Ayade. During the groundbreaking ceremony for the project, Buhari promised to assist the state in its actualisation.
Ayade said “the people and government of Cross River State are grateful to President Buhari for helping us to achieve this feat within record speed of two years.” He explained that the appointment of the transaction adviser for the project means that work will soon commence on site.He seized the occasion to also express gratitude to Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, who, he said, stopped at no point in putting pressure on his entire team to get the transaction advisor approved.
On what the development means for the state, he said: “For us as a state, it puts an end to the dreaming phase. Now, we are in reality; thank God to president Buhari and the Transport ministry that made it possible.
“Preliminary reclamation works will commence soon while commencement of the actual work will also start this year.”