The spokesperson to Governor Bassey Otu, Emmanuel Ogbeche, has said that during the previous administration led by Ben Ayade, approvals were granted through WhatsApp messages.

while speaking during a meeting with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, in Calabar on Monday, Ogbeche also criticised the state’s condition, referring to it as “badly rundown,” which the new administration has inherited.

Ogbeche emphasised the need for collective support and collaboration to restore order in the state. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence in Governor Otu’s ability to turn things around, stating, “Otu inherited a rundown state. It was badly rundown… There is no record of anything; approvals were given on WhatsApp messages. It will require a lot to turn the state around, and thank God we have a capable and listening governor ready to provide the needed leadership.”

Additionally, Ogbeche sought the support of the NUJ for Governor Otu and assured them that the governor would reciprocate the union’s assistance.

He pledged his full commitment to justify the governor’s trust in him, saying, “This is a job I never lobbied for or contacted anyone to secure. The job found me with God’s grace, and I am ready to do everything to justify that confidence reposed in me by the governor. As a member of the union and the immediate past chairman of Abuja council, I will ensure a strong relationship between the governor and the media practitioners in the state.”

Nsa Gill, the Chairperson of the NUJ in Cross River State, congratulated Ogbeche on his appointment and assured him of the union’s support in his new role. Gill pledged that the union’s members would work diligently to ensure Ogbeche’s success in his endeavours.