Ayade reads riot act to aides over public disclosure of policy statements

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River has directed his commissioners and other political appointees to desist henceforth from making public and policy statements on social media.

He gave the order in a press release issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Christian Ita, in Calabar.

The governor warned the appointees against granting or making both radio and television interviews and appearances without getting clearance from him.

The statement read: “Henceforth, no commissioner or political appointee is allowed to showcase or make policy pronouncements on social media without seeking clearance from the governor.”

“Every commissioner is henceforth expected to prove himself or herself on the field rather than on the social media.

“I want to make it clear that there are just two persons designated for the discharge of this function.”

It added: “They are the Commissioner for Information and Orientation and the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

“The governor also warned that any contravention of the directive would be met with severe sanctions.”