C’RIVER: Ayade recalls aide sacked in ‘error’

GOVERNOR Ben Ayade has recalled his Special Adviser on Aviation, Agbiji Mbeh Agbiji.

Agbiji was dismissed yesterday alongside four other aides and four Commissioners for allegedly refusing to defect with the governor to the All Progressives Congress (APC)

But a statement reinstating Agbiji today and signed by Ayade’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS) Christian Ita, said the aide was recalled after his name was included in the sack list in “error”.

The statement reads in part:

“The State Governor, His Excellency Sir Ben Ayade, has approved the immediate reinstatement of Hon. Agbiji Mbeh Agbiji, as the Special Adviser on Aviation.

“Hon. Agbiji’s name was included in error amongst those relieved of their duties in an earlier press release.”

Recall that on Monday that the Governor had sacked some of his cabinet members and aides because they had allegedly insisted on remaining with the PDP instead of decamping to the APC when the governor defected.

Those affected in the sack were Rita Ayim, Asu Okang, Ntufam Donatus Etim and Mike Usibe, all commissioners.

The aides who were relieved of their duties were listed as Leo Inyambe, Orok Otu Duke, Victor Okon, John Etim Bassey, and former member of the state House of Assembly, Agbiji Mbeh Agbiji.

However, Government House sources insist Agbiji had reached out to the Governor and explained that he had since defected to the APC which could explain his immediate recall.