Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has revealed that earlier in his life he was a hustler and a taxi driver.

According to him, there was nothing to be ashamed of because he was doing an honourable and legal hustle.

He said he had always told anyone that cared to listen that he had a very humble beginning, a reason he said had enabled him to understand his job as a governor of the people.

He disclosed this on Wednesday at a public rally in Calabar where he was a guest of the Unified Commercial Drivers Association of Cross River State, which staged a political rally in support of his second term bid.

Ayade said: “I am a former taxi driver. I used to drive taxis. I am one of you. I can not be ashamed to reveal this. I started out in life as a hustler and driver. I therefore know your importance to the society and government.”

Elated at the cheers from the commercial drivers, Ayade announced that he was going to flood the state with at least 120,000 new cars to be used as taxis across the state.

Prof Ayade said the reason for his government’s aggressive industrialization drive was because he knew that the people needed jobs.

“I am building the industries to create jobs, to empower the people”.

He explained that he has been able to manage Cross River’s meagre financial resources effectively because, according to him, he is not a full time politician.

“If I was a full time politician, we will be owing salaries.I know my circumstances, I know my history,” he said.

The chairman of the association, Pastor Thomas Effiom Okon, assured the governor of their votes saying: “Our digital Governor has achieved so much in three and a half years and therefore deserves a re-election.”