…C’River Chief of Staff
By Onwa Ekor
The Chief of Staff to the Cross River governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, has distanced himself from social media narratives crediting him for the recent appointments made by the state government.
In a signed statement made available through the Office of the Special Assistant on Media to the Chief of Staff, Mr. Patrick Asuquo, Ironbar described such attributions as inaccurate and contrary to the constitutional structure of government.
He stressed that the authority to make appointments into government positions rests solely with the governor, Prince Bassey Otu, urging appointees to direct their appreciation to the governor whose confidence and leadership made their appointments possible.
The Chief of Staff noted that while he is honored to serve in his current capacity and supporting the administration’s objectives, he neither possesses nor exercises the constitutional powers of appointment which is already vested in the governor.
“It is important that the public understands that appointments into government offices are the exclusive prerogative of His Excellency, the Governor.
“Any attempt to attribute such decisions to me is a misrepresentation of the facts and an unnecessary distortion of the established hierarchy of governance,” he stated.
Ironbar explained that he played no personal role warranting the public accolades being directed at him by some of the beneficiaries of the appointments, maintaining that, all recognition and gratitude should be accorded to his principal, the governor.
He further urged political appointees, supporters and members of the public to accurately acknowledge the source of such opportunities and avoid narratives capable of creating false impressions about the process of government appointments.
Ironbar reaffirmed his loyalty and commitment to the governor and the administration’s goals, pledging to continue discharging his duties with professionalism, humility and an unwavering dedication.
