2012: Cobham Is My Deputy - Imoke

CALABAR, August 22, (THEWILL) – Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke has debunked rumours that he is contemplating dropping Deputy Governor, Mr. Effiok Cobham as running mate in the April 2012 Governorship election in the state.

A weekend statement by Mr. Patrick Ugbe, Commissioner for Information & Orientation, said there is ‘no iota of truth’ in the talks.

The statement further said, Imoke has maintained consistently that he has enjoyed a very cordial working relationship with his Deputy and has never doubted his ability to work with him towards the total transformation of Cross River State.

“We wish to reiterate that the duo of Liyel Imoke and Effiok Cobham still enjoy the warmest and most cordial relationship among Governors and their Deputies in the country.

“We seize this opportunity to discountenance any rumour in this direction as it is baseless, unfounded and parochial, targeted at destroying the good vision of the Imoke led administration in Cross River State and causing disaffection and division within the P.D.P family in the State.

“We further wish to reassure you all, in spite of your political affiliation that the Imoke administration carries everyone along in the transformation agenda of taking Cross River State to greater heights.

“The Imoke ticket remains a combination of Liyel Imoke and Effiok Cobham.

“As we match into the period of electioneering we wish to appeal for caution from everyone.

“We must be guarded and guided in all we say or do,” Ugbe stated.