Imoke Reminds Cross Riverians To Recognise Those That Have Made Sacrifices

CROSS RIVERS STATE GOVERNOR, LIYEL IMOKE

CALABAR, January 24, (THEWILL) - Cross Riverians have been reminded of the need to give honour to those whom honour is due as mark of recognition for sacrifices made for the development of the State.
 
Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State said this during an “Achievers of Old Block” organized by some politicians from the Southern Senatorial District of the State in his honour and remarked that “any talk about old block must remember the beginning which started the New Cross River State which the block is part of and has given birth to a federation of young men and women.”
 
Imoke, who mentioned erstwhile Governor of the State, Chief Clement Ebri as one person that pioneered the new vision, noted that its realization was not achieved by just three persons as held in certain quarters but by many who were out to curb ethnicity, mediocrity and the ‘bring-him-down-syndrome, because the state was seen as educationally disadvantaged but today there are witnesses that it has excelled internationally and has become a destination.
 
The governor stated that Cross River state has been built into a family like no other family and it is his duty as a governor to keep it together saying, “an old block is big and has refused to disintegrate though there are people who are looking for cracks and as a family that remains together, everyone will enjoy the same opportunity”.
 
The governor expressed that the gathering provided an opportunity for him to say thank you on behalf of those elected into various offices because they have provided hope for Cross Riverians, adding that as future leaders, young men and women should learn from the experiences of elders to enable them do better them.
 
He hoped the state would never go back to pre-1999 politics but remain focused and loyal to its leaders who will not lead them astray, saying that his great joy is being able to affect the lives of the people because he was speaking as a beneficiary of the family and will continue to empower the people and by the time his tenure finishes Cross Riverians will be major contractors in the country.
 
Imoke promised to leave a legacy that cannot be met by any other state “so as long as the people speak with one voice we will deliver the State”.
 
Senator Bassey Otu, representing the Southern Senatorial District noted that Governor Imoke has done well as he has added value to the people and “we love you as you have done well”.
 
Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, spokesperson of Old Block in her opening remarks, said they expressed concern because ethnicity is rearing its head and has shown a negative body language and it was time for all to be united as a family, adding that Imoke has a pedigree “which makes him a young old man that works quietly” and a support for him will be reciprocal because he supported one of theirs to be the governor of the State for eight years.
 
Ita-Giwa noted that while the group had called on those wanting to take over from Imoke “to wait for your turn”, it was also their desire to see how they could reunite as old friends from the Southern Senatorial District, who had one time or the other won elections to support each other, stressing that Imoke has a soft spot for the Southern Senatorial District.
 
She said Cross River State roots for serious minded political leaders and it is not a State to joke with, adding that “the meeting afforded us the opportunity to celebrate Imoke as well as show our leaders that the whole of Southern Senatorial District have chosen to go for continuity and consolidation and have therefore fallen in line with Imoke.”