Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, known as ‘Mama Bakassi’, and the Governor of Cross Rivers state, Prof. Ben Ayade, share filial relationship. Ayade loved senator Ita-Giwa like a biological mother and has always seek support and advice from her. Ayade, honoured her with an appointment as Chairman Cross Rivers Port Authority.
Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, last year, commissioned her continental restaurant named ‘The Fusion Calabar’, a high class restaurant located in the heart of the Calabar. CITYSPY gathered that on the day of the launch, the Governor and his entourage stormed the venue in power bikes. The Governor donated 5million naira, and paid for the continental dishes consumed by every attendee.
Not many knew that the once sweet relationship was going to be sour. The bad blood between them erupted when Senator Ita-Giwa defected from the People Democratic Party (PDP), to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC). The political fiasco took a new shape when some Federal Government relief materials belonging to Bakassi fire victims was allegedly diverted by some cross-rivers state government officials. Senator Ita-Giwa made it public knowledge as this further deepen the crisis between the duo.
CITYSPY gathered that Senator Ita-Giwa has avoided going to Calabar regularly like she used to. The source further added that the Governor revoked the official car given to Senator Ita-Giwa as Chairman Cross River Ports Authority. The Fusion Calabar Restaurant the senator commissioned last year has been shut down and no longer opens for business since the crisis between Governor Ayade and Senator Ita-Giwa deepens.