The Chief of Staff to Cross River State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar, has denied claims circulating on social media that he is involved in recent government appointments. In a statement released on Thursday, Ironbar clarified that the power to appoint officials belongs exclusively to Governor Bassey Otu.
Statement Denying Involvement
In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Patrick Asuquo, Ironbar emphasized that the authority to make appointments into government positions rests solely with the Executive Governor, His Excellency Sen. Bassey Otu. The statement read: “The authority to make appointments into government positions rests solely with the Executive Governor, His Excellency Sen. Bassey Otu. Appointees should direct their appreciation to him whose confidence and leadership made their appointments possible.”
Clarification on Constitutional Powers
Ironbar stated that he neither possesses nor exercises the constitutional powers of appointment. He said: “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 a distortion of the established hierarchy of governance.”
The Chief of Staff further noted that he played no personal role that would warrant public accolades from appointees. He urged beneficiaries, supporters, and the general public to acknowledge Governor Otu as the source of the appointments. Ironbar reaffirmed his loyalty to the governor and pledged to continue serving with professionalism and humility.
