By Our Correspondent
Ndidem of the Quas, Ndidem Thomas Ika Ika Oqua, has confessed that there is no part 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 can see what the administration has done in transforming the socio-economic landscape of the state.
Represented by Ntol Patrick Inok Oqua Agbor V, the monarch pointed out that, “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 programs 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,” he reiterated.
“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.
Responding, Governor Imoke who 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 itself’, we championed that cause of building a united and harmonious Cross River that we are all proud of today,” he said.
“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,” he added.
The PDP governorship standard bearer in the state, Senator 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.”
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