WITH a huge monthly deficit of N2 billion and an internal/external debt burden of about N130 billion, the Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade has said that he is at the moment running the state from his pocket.

Senator Ayade had few days to his swearing-in as governor said the state was not bankrupt and promised to get US investors who are coming with $600 million to buy off the state’s debt burden and put the state economy on a sound footing.

But since the expected funds are yet to be handy and with no budget cover, the governor in a bid to keep government running has been shoring up with personal and family money.
This much was revealed at an interaction Ayade held with journalists at the Governor’s office during the week.

Irked by insinuations that he has been running the state like a sole administrator, Professor Ayade said, “Would I just fold my hands and wait for the state House of Assembly. You do not ask yourselves how I get money to go on and push. I am not supposed to say what I want to say now, but I must tell you at this juncture that I brought my money to run this state.