Come to Calabar for vacation, Ayade tells Buhari, Atiku, others

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has asked all presidential candidates to take a one-week vacation in Calabar.

He said the city would afford them the luxury of unwinding from the hectic presidential campaign that would soon ensue.

The governor made the call in Calabar yesterday when he flagged off the third dry run segment of the 30-day Calabar Carnival.

Speaking through his deputy, Ivara Edu, Ayade clarified that the invitation had no political undertone as the carnival had no affiliation with any political parties.

“This is the final dry-run and the event is looking as if today is the grand finale. This shows that our first and second dry run was successful. I want to use this opportunity, on behalf of the state governor to invite all the candidates of various political parties to come for this year’s carnival.

“We want them to take off one week rest from their campaigns and come and enjoy themselves. Carnival Calabar does not know any political party or religion.

“When you come to Calabar for the carnival, you are as free as air. I will like to invite them to come here and relax and as the people see them, maybe those who are able to dance better may attract more votes. So, we want to see the candidates who can come here and rock it better, in such a way some people may be encouraged to vote for them,’’ he said.