SAN FRANCISCO, February 19, (THEWILL) – Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, has revealed that his reason for embarking on massive development of Calabar South was because he was not impressed with the level of development in the area when he assumed office in 2007.
The governor who disclosed this in his separate interactions with the Traditional Rulers Council and opinion leaders when he led the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in continuation of the statewide campaign to the area, maintained that the giant strides recorded in Calabar South was as a result of the relative peace brought about by the royal fathers as well as opinion leaders in the area.
According to Imoke, “While Calabar Municipality was enjoying all the infrastructure and social amenities and upgrading of same, the South was not receiving any attention for many years for obvious reasons which made people to wonder if Calabar South was not part of the state capital.
“That was why I had to bring renovation of schools that were captured in the comprehensive renovation and reconstruction programme, healthcare delivery services and all other things that were needed to make life more meaningful.
“I did not understand the rationale behind the neglect of Calabar South, because it is the cradle of civilisation that deserves more attention. Today I’m proud to say that we have done over 57 roads, reticulated water to almost all the streets/homes and extended street lights to the area that has helped check security.”
While still recalling how the area was before he took over the mantle of leadership, Imoke said: “Before my assumption of office as governor, Calabar South was associated with violence and cultism. In fact, it was the cultists den,” a situation, he noted, has now changed.
He warned that not again must they allow politicians drag the people to the dark days, noting that he wants to see to the sustenance of what he has started.
“We have seen now that the extreme violence, cultism and other anti-development vices that used to be here have come down tremendously, but unfortunately we are beginning to see it raise its ugly head again. That is a challenge and it must be checked before it gets out of control.” he stressed.
Imoke, who appreciated the people for the tremendous support they gave to his administration, urged them to extend the gesture to the incoming administration to enable it continue the good work in the area.
According to him, “In 1999, I brought your son, Mr. Donald Duke, which we all endorsed as governor of the state. Thereafter you extended that support to me and today in line with the spirit of equity and fairness, we decided that the Northern Senatorial District be given a chance to steer the ship of governance in the state which is why we have come to present to you a very dynamic, focused, determined and very enthusiastic young and vibrant governor who will take over from me.”
Promising that he would raise the bar, when voted in as governor in the April 28 governorship election, the PDP standard bearer, Prof Ben Ayade, said: “I have no doubt that our governor has done so well in Calabar South. The fact that he has put in place the basic necessities for the development of the area at this time when it’s so difficult for government to fund projects due to dwindling federal allocation to the state, deserves commendation.
“I believe that when you give me the opportunity to serve as your governor, job creation for our teeming youths will be my primary focus. I will ensure that I sustain the tempo that Senator Liyel Imoke has instituted with a view to adding more value to better the lots of our people.”
Chairman, Calabar South Traditional Rulers Council, Etubom Bassey Ita Bassey Duke, who extolled the leadership qualities of Imoke, promised to mobilise his subjects to support the vision of the PDP government.
The Chairman, however, pleaded with the governor to look into the impasse in the traditional stool of Munene which has lingered for over three years saying: “I want to appeal to you that the issue of Muri Munene which you are very familiar with be looked into and resolved before you exit government, Your Excellency.”
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