Anyaoku Hails Imoke As Governor Wins Zik Prize For Good Governance

SAN FRANCISCO, June 24, (THEWILL) - Former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Chief Emeka Anyaoku has commended Governor Liyel Imoke on his development stride in Cross River State.

Chief Anyaoku spoke at The Zik Prize Award 2013 ceremony in Lagos on Sunday during which Senator Imoke emerged as winner of the 2013 Zik Award for good governance.

Senator Imoke was named the Best Governor for 2013. Imoke was accompanied to the ceremony by his wife, Obioma and state officials.

Anyaoku described the governor as an outstanding achiever and beacon of hope for Nigeria.

Anyaoku was the chairman at the event organized by a non-govermental organization, Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre.

He called on other leaders to emulate the former Minister who he said has institutionalised several key reforms in the governance of Cross River, which he said has marked it out as a hub of good governance, peace and the most secure state in the country.

Anyaoku who expressed grave concern at the security situation, especially in the North-east zone, decayed infrastructure and growing youths restiveness in the country challenged Nigerian leaders to replace self-interest for courage to restructure the nation in tandem with the dreams of our founding fathers.

He said political restructuring was the only way to conquer the precarious situation currently prevailing in the country even as he tasked the current leadership to strive to return the country to the stable and peaceful polity of the pre-1966 military era.

'I don't see the possibility of conquering the situation we find ourselves without political restructuring,' he said.

The erstwhile Commonwealth scribe described the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe in whose memory the awards was instituted as a legend in his time and an institution in our life.

The Zik prize, he said, is one of the most prized Awards in Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of other award winners which included the Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Governor Ibrahim Dankwabo of Gombe State, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Chief Afe Babalola, Diamond Bank MD, Mr. Alex Otti among others, Imoke said the award was both a humbling experience and wake up call for him to continue to deliver quality service to the people.