𝐁𝐲 𝐎𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐰𝐨𝐥𝐚 𝐑𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐥

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has, throughout his political career, demonstrated that loyalty, discipline, and commitment to collective progress are never forgotten. From his transformative leadership in Lagos to the national consolidation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tinubu has consistently ensured that those who prioritize the party and national interest above personal ambition are recognized and rewarded. This principle of governance frames the relevance of Professor Sir Benedict Bengioushuye Ayade, CON, whose unrelenting and undeniable dedication, strategic sacrifices, and proven competence exemplify the very qualities that the President esteems. Ayade’s track record as an academic, former Governor of Cross River State (2015–2023), and former Senator for Cross River North (2011–2015) positions him as a figure of national relevance, capable of contributing significantly to policy execution, governance, and the advancement of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

During his tenure as Governor, Ayade confronted one of the federation’s most constrained fiscal landscapes. Despite meagre federal allocations, inherited debt, and limited internally generated revenue, he ensured that government remained functional, salaries were paid promptly, and strategic projects continued. He implemented a robust economic diversification agenda, establishing agro-processing, rice milling, feed and packaging factories, power generation initiatives, and road infrastructure improvements, all designed to reduce dependence on federal transfers and stimulate local economic growth. Politically, Ayade demonstrated extraordinary discipline. In the 2023 APC Presidential primaries, he initially expressed interest in the presidency but openly aligned with Tinubu’s candidacy immediately after the party primaries. He then mobilised all stakeholders across Cross River State and contributed to securing the constitutionally required electoral threshold for the APC at the Presidential Poll, in a State that had been a PDP stronghold since 1999. He relinquished his own senatorial ambition in the interest of party stability and collective success. This act of strategic selflessness and self-abnegation is an indicator of institutional loyalty, which reflected the appeal Tinubu made when he visited Calabar on June 3, 2022: “Mine is to respect you as you respect me. I appeal to you as your senior brother and the first to declare his intention, not to endorse me today, but when you get to Abuja, you can endorse me fully. We must have that unity of purpose. We must work together not only for the unity and economic development of Cross River, but also of the country.” Ayade honoured this call with undeniable commitment, mobilising the party decisively in the State and ensuring the electoral success of the APC.

The principle of rewarding loyalty is central to President Tinubu’s leadership. Ayade’s record of prioritising collective success over personal ambition, immediately supporting the President, and delivering a traditionally opposition-controlled State demonstrates the kind of dedication that commands recognition. His governance style—inclusive, results-driven, and conciliatory across ethnic, religious, and political lines—further underscores his national relevance. Integrating Ayade into national service would reinforce competence, strategic judgment, and effective execution, core qualities needed to translate the Renewed Hope Agenda into measurable outcomes. By acknowledging his loyalty and capacity, the President would send a strong signal that merit, performance, and steadfast commitment to national interest are valued, while leveraging Ayade’s experience and judgment to drive tangible development across the federation. The time is indeed ripe for recognition, and Professor Sir Benedict Ayade remains a strategic asset ready to serve at the national level.

—Olayiwola Rasheed Emmanuel is a Public Analyst and Political Commentator. He writes from Lagos.