GOV. AYADE MAKES HIS STAFF STAND IN THE SUN FOR HOURS

Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade locked out some of his aides, including some Government House staff in Calabar, on Wednesday for being late to work.

When Ayade arrived at the office at 7:58 a.m., he was said to have immediately ordered the opening of a register and asked the chief security officer to lock the gate at 8:30 a.m. against any subsequent late-comers.

Workers at all levels have been locked out, including top-ranking officers of the state civil service and political appointees. Christian Ita, the governor's spokesperson, stated on Tuesday that Ayade has always expressed his displeasure with tardiness, adding that he has rewarded those who are dedicated to their duties.

He stated that if the governor can arrive at the office as early as 8 a.m., government employees should not have an excuse for arriving late.

The normal resumption time is 8 a.m.; if a governor can be in office at that time, why can't others? "The governor has always rewarded and sanctioned employees; he does not hesitate to sanction when you err and also to reward you when you are committed to duty," he said.