By Asuquo Cletus
The Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor, Emmanuel Ironbar, has denied claims linking him to the recent appointments made by the state government.
He insisted that the power to appoint public officials rests solely with Governor Bassey Otu.
Ironbar made the clarification in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Assistant on Media, Patrick Asuquo, in Calabar.
The Chief of Staff said reports and social media narratives crediting him for the appointments were misleading and inconsistent with the constitutional responsibilities of government officials.
According to him, appointments into government positions remain the exclusive prerogative of the governor, and beneficiaries should direct their appreciation to Otu, whose leadership and confidence made the appointments possible.
“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 maintained that he neither possesses nor exercises the constitutional authority to make appointments, stressing that he played no personal role warranting the commendations being directed at him by some beneficiaries.
He urged political appointees, supporters and members of the public to avoid narratives capable of creating false impressions about the process of government appointments.
The Chief of Staff reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Otu and pledged continued commitment to the administration’s objectives.
He added that he would continue to discharge his responsibilities with professionalism, humility and dedication in support of the governor’s vision for the state.
