S'COURT RULING HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MY CANDIDATURE -IMOKE

Amidst speculation of whether he is qualified to run in the pending Cross River State governorship election following the recent Supreme Court ruling, Sen. Liyel Imoke says he is the flagbearer for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He said the ruling has nothing to do with his candidature.

The erstwhile governor, disclosed this when he was being presented with the Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (INEC) nomination form by the party Chairman, Hon. Ekpo Okon, in Calabar over the weekend. He said: 'I want to use this medium to state that we still stand as candidates of this great party in the forthcoming election as the Supreme Court ruling has nothing to do with our candidature.'

Sen Liyel Imoke, who was represented by his running mate, Mr. Effiok Cobham, thanked the party for the confidence reposed in them, maintaining that with the presentation of the nomination form by the party signifies the endorsement of their candidature.

On the level of preparedness, Sen Imoke stated categorically that as 'boys scout in the field, they are always ready to carry out any task' and urged Cross Riverians to remain calm, steadfast to deliver a judgment that will be stronger than what the court had passed by coming out en masse to vote whenever it will be fixed.

He solicited for the support of the citizenry during polls to enable them complete the lofty initiatives doled out to impact on their lives.

Earlier, the State Chairman of the party, Ntufam Ekpo Okon, contended that the presentation of the form forecloses rumours making rounds that the PDP has forfeited the candidature of the duo following the Supreme Court judgment that ordered the termination of his first tenure on Friday, January 27.  Ekpo Okon added that the symbolic event was to cement the landslide victory Imoke recorded at the last gubernatorial primaries in the state.

He described the duo's ticket as one that will consolidate on the already recorded socio-economic gains experienced across the length and breadth of the state, adding that it was a mandate that was giving to them by the faithful members of the party.

The state chairman averred that, when INEC finally calls them to the field, the party which has already re-strategized its plans will commence its campaign with a neighbor to neighbor approach to ensure peaceful and fair polls.