By Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor, Hon. Chief (Dr.) Emmanuel Ironbar, has dismissed claims circulating on social media attributing recent government appointments to him, describing the narratives as false and misleading.
In a statement issued through the Office of the Special Assistant on Media to the Chief of Staff, Mr. Patrick Asuquo, Ironbar said such claims were inconsistent with the constitutional structure of governance, stressing that the power to appoint officials rests solely with the Executive Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Sen. Prince Bassey Otu.
He advised beneficiaries of the appointments to direct their appreciation to the governor, whose confidence and leadership, he said, made the appointments possible.
The Chief of Staff explained that although he is privileged to serve in his position and support the administration’s programmes, he does not possess or exercise the constitutional authority to make appointments.
“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 an unnecessary distortion of the established hierarchy of governance,” he stated.
Ironbar further noted that he played no personal role that warranted the accolades being directed at him by some appointees, insisting that all recognition should go to Governor Bassey Otu.
He urged political appointees, supporters, and members of the public to properly acknowledge the source of government opportunities and avoid creating impressions capable of distorting the appointment process.
The Chief of Staff reaffirmed his loyalty to the governor and commitment to the administration’s objectives, promising to continue serving with professionalism, humility, and dedication.