Calabar Monarch Lauds Imoke's Achievements

SAN FRANCISCO, February 22, (THEWILL) – Ndidem of Calabar, Ndidem Thomas Ika Ika Oqua, has declared that there is no part of Cross River State that has not benefited from dividends of democracy from the Governor Liyel Imoke-led administration in the state.

The Ndidem who made the disclosure when the Cross River State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had an interaction/ consultation with the Chairman and members of Calabar Municipal Traditional Rulers Council prior to the grand finale of the party's campaign in the state, maintained that even the blind could see what the administration had done in transforming the socio-economic landscape of the state.

Represented by the Ntol Patrick Inok Oqua Agbor V, the monarch said : “Nobody in this state will deny the fact that dividends of democracy dot all the nooks and crannies of the state. They are things we can feel, touch and even see with our naked eyes as we walk round the state.

“ If someone ask where all these lofty programmes and policies that have touched lives of millions of our people including those in the remotest parts of the state, came from, I and other right thinking individuals will gladly and confidently too affirm that it came from the PDP- led government. To be very candid, we are yet to see the reason why we should change and cast our votes for another party.”

On the display of ingenuity by Imoke to steer the ship of governance even in the face of trials and financial difficulties, the traditional ruler averred that, “Imoke came in and met this state with very lean resources and huge debt, but for him and his cabinet to manage this state for eight years with the massive transformation indices recorded all over especially in Calabar Municipality which is now home of a multi-billion naira Summit Hills, it's pertinent that we appreciate this noble and modest effort of this God's given, kind gentle man.‎”

He also said: “I will not cease to appreciate Your Excellency because we have been around since inception of democracy in 1999 and I make bold to say that it's within your tenure that our sons and daughters are given more opportunity to serve in your cabinet and I thank you most sincerely for this.”

He assured the candidates of the PDP including President Goodluck Jonathan that he would mobilise massively for the party.

Responding, Governor Imoke who said he was humbled by the encomiums poured on him by the royal fathers, said his style of governance was to see that the poorest of the poor have a sense of belonging and that he was fulfilled that most of those who never had access to Government House in Calabar, can now attest to the fact that their lives have completely changed for better.

“When we took a policy that for us as young men, we will not follow the mistakes of our elders, and divide ourselves and create that 'atomistic society that is perpetually at war with its selves', we championed that cause of building a united and harmonious Cross River that we are all proud of today,” he said.

The governor urged them to advise their subjects to refrain from all forms of violence, and other divisive tendencies.

According to him, “We have built bridges and today people because of their selfish interests want to divide us and we must not allow that to happen for posterity sake.

“We are young people, dynamic, energetic and committed to the growth and development of this state and we don't believe in ethnicity and we will fight vigorously for the Cross River of tomorrow that will benefit everyone no matter your ethnic background.”

While encouraging the populace to support the party's candidates during the elections, Imoke said: “We know the capacities of our candidates. PDP in the state does play ethnic politics but believe strongly in one political family where it derives its strength.

“There is therefore a need to get our state connected to the Centre to be able to garner the desired benefit. Even the opposition parties have acknowledged that Cross River State is totally a PDP state and we must demonstrate that to other states and political parties in the country.”

In his remarks, the PDP standard bearer in the state, Prof. Ben Ayade, said: “When people say that Senator Liyel Imoke is a Professor of Politics, I'm thinking differently, he should also be made a Professor of Economics because if you know what he has achieved from the limited resources, the debt he inherited, you will know that he is a super-giant.

“I have worked very closely with Senator Liyel Imoke and I know the spirit that drives him; honesty, sincerity, and respect for all. Those things drive me. It's true that when somebody has done so much over a passage of time that amnesia will set in, memory loss will set in and you will not see. I tell you he is leaving behind amazing landmarks.”