Cross River State Chief of Staff, Chief Emmanuel Ironbar, has distanced himself from social media claims that credit him with recent state government appointments.
In a statement through his media aide, Mr Patrick Asuquo, he described the attributions as “inaccurate and contrary to the constitutional structure of government.”
Ironbar stressed that appointment powers lie exclusively with the Governor.
“The authority to make appointments into government positions rests solely with the Executive Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Sen. Prince Bassey Otu,” he said.
He urged appointees to direct appreciation to the Governor “whose confidence and leadership made their appointments possible.”
The Chief of Staff clarified that he does not wield constitutional appointment powers.
“I neither possess nor exercise the constitutional powers of appointment vested in the Governor,” he stated, while reaffirming his commitment to support the administration’s objectives.
He also addressed public praise from some beneficiaries. “It is important that the public understands that appointments to 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,” he stated. He said, “all recognition and gratitude should be accorded to his principal, His Excellency Apst. Sen. Dr Prince Bassey Otu.”
Ironbar urged political appointees and the public to accurately acknowledge the source of appointments and avoid narratives that create false impressions.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the Governor and pledged to continue discharging his duties “with professionalism, humility, and unwavering dedication,” according to the statement signed by Mr Patrick Asuquo, Government House, Calabar.
