By Our Correspondent
Barely two months to the exit of his administration, Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke has sworn-in 15 members into his cabinet to help wind down his administration.
The new executive members are: Mr. Tanko Ashang – Commissioner for Works, Mr. Attah Ochinke who was returned as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Gabriel Odu-Orji – Commissioner Environment, Mr. Patrick Ugbe who was also returned as Commissioner for Youths/Sports, and Mr. Sam Edorji – Commissioner for Agriculture. The 10 Special Advisers are: Mr. Ken Egbas, Mr. Gerald Adah, Mrs. Margaret Ebokpo, Mr. Edward Ogon, Mr. Sam Edim Temple, Mr. Godwin Efa, Mr. Simon Ntino, Mr. Boniface Archibong, Mr. Edet Okon Asim, and Joseph Ekpe Edet.
Addressing the newly sworn-in cabinet members shortly after taking their oath of office and denunciation of cultism and other related offenses in Calabar, yesterday. Imoke maintained that: “This appointment is not a reward for political service, public office is a rare privilege bestowed on very few who take responsibilities for the lives and well being of the masses.”
He further asserted that: “For us, public service is a commitment to ensuring that through the process and privilege of service, we ensure that not only do we contribute to improving the lives and well being of our people but also, we ensure that through that process, we can leave Cross Riverians better off than when we assumed office, that is our vision.”
The Governor charged them do their work diligently and with all their energy, saying: “As you are sworn in as a member of the state executive council, our charge to you is to ensure that the period you are in council, you dedicate your selves to improving the lives and well being of our people through your offices. This can only be achieved through hard work, dedication and visionary leadership where ever you are assigned to serve.”
Continuing, “Within the period left in the life of this administration, we are expected to complete our mandate as an administration on 29 May 2015, in the interim, we expect that we will put in as much energy and resources as we can to ensure that we continue to pursue and complete all our programs and initiatives.”
While congratulating them on their new appointment, Imoke declared: “Let me welcome you on board, here we believed that we are hardworking exco, that we are brothers and sisters working together collectively in the common interest for the betterment of Cross Riverians. And In spite the financial challenges we face, occasioned by the dwindling federal allocation to the state, we our committed to ensuring that we better the lives of our people.”